Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

MD216 Sum2 > Auditory System > Flashcards

Auditory System Flashcards

1
Q

What are the main components of the external ear?

A

Auricle (pinna), external acoustic meatus, tympanic membrane

The external ear consists of structures that collect sound waves and direct them into the ear canal.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What structures are found in the middle ear?

A

Auditory ossicles: malleus, incus, stapes, oval window

These bones transmit sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the two parts of the inner ear?

A

Cochlea, vestibular labyrinth

The inner ear is responsible for hearing and balance.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What does the bony labyrinth contain?

A

Perilymph

The bony labyrinth is the outer structure of the inner ear.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What does the membranous labyrinth contain?

A

Endolymph

The membranous labyrinth is involved in auditory and vestibular functions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the function of the labyrinthine artery?

A

Supplies blood to the inner ear

It is a branch of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the shape of the cochlea?

A

Snail-like spiral shape with a 2.5 turn

This unique shape is essential for its function in hearing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the three scalae of the cochlea?

A
  • Scala vestibuli
  • Scala media (cochlear duct)
  • Scala tympani

These compartments are crucial for sound transduction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the role of the oval window in the cochlea?

A

Transmits vibrations from the stapes to the perilymph

The oval window is a membrane-covered opening that leads from the middle ear to the inner ear.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the modiolus?

A

Central bony core of cochlea containing spiral ganglion

It plays a role in the auditory nerve pathway.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the function of the helicotrema?

A

Connects scala vestibuli and scala tympani

It allows fluid communication between these two scalae.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What separates the cochlear duct from the scala vestibuli?

A

Vestibular membrane (Reissner membrane)

This membrane helps maintain the distinct environments of the scalae.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What separates the cochlear duct from the scala tympani?

A

Basilar membrane

The basilar membrane plays a crucial role in sound transduction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the organ of Corti?

A

Spiral organ containing hair cells

It is the sensory organ responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What stimulates the hair cells in the organ of Corti?

A

Vibration of tectorial membrane against the stereocilia

This process is essential for auditory perception.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

True or False: The inner hair cells are part of the organ of Corti.

A

True

Inner hair cells are critical for transducing sound stimuli.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Fill in the blank: The auditory tube is also known as the _______.

A

Eustachian tube

It helps equalize pressure in the middle ear.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the role of the vestibular labyrinth?

A

Provides information for balance and maintains equilibrium

It is crucial for spatial orientation and balance.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q
A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What sends the cochlear afferent fibers?

A

Spiral ganglion

It consists of peripheral processes and gives the central processes as cochlear nerve (part of CN VIII)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

At what junction does CN VIII enter the brainstem?

A

Pontomedullary junction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the role of the medial superior olivary nucleus?

A

Localizing the direction of sound

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Where are the cochlear nuclei located?

A

At medulla level

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are the two types of cochlear nuclei?

A
  • Dorsal (posterior) cochlear nucleus
  • Ventral (anterior) cochlear nucleus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What type of neurons are the first order neurons in the auditory pathway?
Bipolar cells (or Spiral ganglion)
26
What are the primary auditory cortex Brodmann areas?
BA 41, 42
27
What structure projects to the primary auditory cortex?
Medial geniculate nuclei (MG)
28
What is the pathway from the auditory cortex to the auditory association cortex?
Via arcuate fasciculus
29
What is the function of the acoustic reflex?
to protect the inner ear from damage caused by loud sounds
30
Fill in the blank: The auditory pathway includes the ________.
Organ of Corti
31
What is the role of descending auditory pathways?
sends signals from the brain back to the ear and other lower centers. It plays important modulatory and protective roles in hearing.
32
What do periolivary nuclei send back to hair cells in the organ of Corti?
Olivocochlear bundle (OCB)
33
What effect does the auditory system have to filter out noise?
Cocktail-party effect
34
Which nucleus projects to the nucleus of the trapezoid body?
Superior olivary nucleus
35
What are the components of the central auditory pathway?
* Cochlear nuclei * Superior olivary nuclei * Nuclei of inferior colliculus * Medial geniculate nuclei
36
True or False: The cochlear nerve is part of the trigeminal nerve.
False
37
38
What are the three types of hearing loss?
1. Conductive 2. Sensorineural 3. Central ## Footnote Conductive hearing loss is due to obstruction, sensorineural is due to nerve issues, and central involves damage to auditory pathways.
39
What causes conductive hearing loss?
Obstruction by cerumen and otosclerosis ## Footnote Otosclerosis involves progressive ossification of the ligament around the stapes.
40
What is sensorineural hearing loss?
Nerve deafness due to damage to the inner ear or cochlear nerve ## Footnote It often includes conditions like presbycusis, which is age-related hearing loss.
41
What is presbycusis?
Decrease of hearing in old age from degeneration of the organ of Corti ## Footnote It is a common form of sensorineural hearing loss.
42
What do the Rinne and Weber tests assess?
Air conduction and bone conduction ## Footnote They help differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
43
What is the function of the vestibular system?
Balance and spatial orientation ## Footnote It includes components like the semicircular canals and otolith organs.
44
Where are the receptors for the vestibular system located?
In the ampulla of semicircular canals and the otolith organs (saccule and utricle) ## Footnote These receptors respond to movements and shifts in position.
45
What are the two types of hair cells in the vestibular system?
Stereocilia and kinocilia ## Footnote They respond to bending caused by fluid movement.
46
What do the saccule and utricle respond to?
Linear acceleration and head tilting ## Footnote They detect vertical and horizontal movements.
47
Fill in the blank: The Rinne test uses a _______ tuning fork.
512 Hz ## Footnote This frequency is commonly used to test hearing.
48
True or False: Unilateral hearing deficit can occur with lesions at only one-sided cochlear nuclei.
True ## Footnote This can lead to hearing loss on the affected side.
49
What is the role of the crista ampullaris?
It is involved in detecting rotational movements of the head ## Footnote Located in the ampulla of the semicircular canals, it plays a crucial role in balance.
50
What are otolith organs responsible for?
Detecting linear acceleration and gravitational forces ## Footnote They help the body understand its position in relation to gravity.
51
52
What are the main vestibular receptor organs?
* Semicircular canals * Utricle * Saccule * Macula utriculi * Macula sacculi * Crista ampullaris ## Footnote These structures are essential for detecting changes in head position and movement.
53
What type of acceleration do the semicircular canals detect?
Angular (rotational) acceleration ## Footnote The semicircular canals are sensitive to head rotation, providing information on the direction and speed of head movement.
54
Which semicircular canals are responsible for vertical acceleration?
* Superior semicircular canal * Posterior semicircular canal ## Footnote These canals respond to movements in the vertical plane.
55
How does the direction of endolymph flow affect neural signals?
It results in stimulation or inhibition of neural signals ## Footnote The flow of endolymph within the semicircular canals is critical for the vestibular system's response to motion.
56
What are the primary and secondary vestibulocerebellar fibers responsible for?
* Primary fibers: Direct connection to cerebellar cortex * Secondary fibers: Indirect connection to fastigial nucleus in the flocculonodular lobe ## Footnote These pathways play a crucial role in balance and coordination.
57
What functions are maintained by the vestibular system?
* Posture * Balance * Coordination of eyes and head movements ## Footnote The vestibular system integrates sensory information to maintain stability.
58
What is the role of the vestibular nerve?
Carries signals from vestibular receptors to the brain ## Footnote The vestibular nerve is part of cranial nerve VIII and transmits sensory information related to balance.
59
What do the medial and lateral vestibulospinal tracts control?
* Medial vestibulospinal tract: Neck muscles (head movement) * Lateral vestibulospinal tract: Motor neurons for extensor muscles (upright posture) ## Footnote These tracts help in coordinating postural adjustments and head movements.
60
Fill in the blank: The vestibular pathway includes the vestibular receptor organs, vestibular ganglion, ________, and vestibular nuclei.
vestibular nerve (part of CN VIII) ## Footnote This pathway is essential for processing vestibular information.
61
True or False: The vestibular system is not involved in coordinating eye movements.
False ## Footnote The vestibular system plays a critical role in coordinating eye movements to stabilize vision during head motion.
62
What is the role of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) in the vestibular system?
Coordinates eye movement and head movement ## Footnote The MLF connects various nuclei that are involved in controlling eye and neck muscle activity.
63
What part of the brain does the vestibular pathway relay information to?
Thalamus and cerebral cortex ## Footnote This relay is important for spatial orientation and awareness.
64
65
What is the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)?
A reflex that stabilizes gaze during head movements by coordinating eye movements with head motion. ## Footnote It helps maintain clear vision while the head is in motion.
66
What are the types of nystagmus?
* Optokinetic nystagmus * End-gaze nystagmus * Physiological nystagmus ## Footnote Nystagmus is characterized by involuntary eye movements that can occur in various forms.
67
What is the caloric test used for?
To assess vestibular function by inducing nystagmus through temperature changes in the ear canal. ## Footnote Cold water (30°C) typically causes nystagmus in the opposite direction, while warm water (44°C) causes it in the same direction.
68
What does COWS stand for in the context of the caloric test?
Cold Opposite, Warm Same ## Footnote This mnemonic helps remember the direction of nystagmus induced by temperature changes.
69
What is vertigo?
Sensation of irregular spinning movement of the patient or environment. ## Footnote It is a common symptom of vestibular disorders.
70
Define dizziness.
A non-specific term for spatial disorientation, lightheadedness, or increased unsteadiness. ## Footnote Dizziness can be a symptom of various vestibular disorders.
71
What is unsteadiness in vestibular disorders?
Feeling imbalanced, especially when walking. ## Footnote It can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
72
What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?
A vestibular disorder triggered by changes in specific head positions due to displacement of otoliths in semicircular canals. ## Footnote Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, nausea, vomiting, and nystagmus.
73
What causes vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis?
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or labyrinth due to infection. ## Footnote Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and nystagmus.
74
What is Ménière's disease?
A condition characterized by increased pressure of endolymph in the inner ear. ## Footnote Symptoms include episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, and nystagmus.

MD216 Sum2 (14 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions