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What is the role of the cochlea in the human ear?

  • A

    To equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere.

  • B

    To convert sound waves into electrical signals for transmission to the brain.

  • C

    To sense the direction of gravity and linear acceleration.

  • D

    To protect the eardrum from high-intensity noise.

Refer to figure. 
INNER EAR 
The inner ear is divided into two parts:

  1. Cochlea: The cochlea has a sensitive membrane that senses sound vibrations and produces the nerve impulses that the brain then interprets as sounds. This part of the inner ear is responsible for sound reception.
  2. Vestibular Apparatus: The vestibular apparatus is the part of the inner ear responsible for balance-acceleration detection with a purose to provide to the brain a model of spatial orientation and help it control other systems of the body. The vestibular apparatus consists of the otoliths that sense linear acceleration and gravity, and the semi-circular canals that sense angular acceleration.

Equalizes the pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere. → Eustachian Tube
Converts sound waves into electrical signals for transmission to the brain. → Cochlea
Senses the direction of gravity and linear acceleration → Vestibular Apparatus (otoliths and semi-circular canals)
Protects the eardrum from high-intensity noise → Middle ear muscles

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