Question

what membrane is attached to hair cells and can be vibrated by sound waves? doing so disturbs the hair cells and causes them to generate an electric gradient.

vestibular

olfactory

basilar

tympanic

Explanation:

• The basilar membrane is located in the cochlea of the inner ear.
• Hair cells are attached to it.
• Sound waves cause the basilar membrane to vibrate.
• This vibration disturbs the hair cells, leading to the generation of an electric gradient.
• The vestibular membrane is part of the cochlear duct but not directly related to the vibration - hair cell - electric gradient mechanism in the way described.
• The olfactory membrane is related to the sense of smell, not hearing.
• The tympanic membrane (eardrum) is involved in sound conduction but is not attached to the hair cells in the cochlea in the described manner.

Answer:

C. Basilar