Question

The snail-shaped structure of the inner ear that is filled with fluid is known as:

• A. Auditory nerve
• B. Pinna
• C. Eardrum
• D. Cochlea

Hint:

Associate the word "cochlea" with its Greek root "kokhlias," which means snail or screw. This will help you remember its distinctive snail-like shape.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify a specific anatomical structure within the ear based on its description: snail-shaped, fluid-filled, and located in the inner ear.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Auditory nerve: This is a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits auditory information from the inner ear to the brain. It is not a snail-shaped structure.
(B) Pinna: This is the visible, external part of the ear that helps to collect sound waves. It is located in the outer ear.
(C) Eardrum (Tympanic membrane): This is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It vibrates when sound waves strike it.
(D) Cochlea: Located in the inner ear, the cochlea is a spiral-shaped, bony chamber that resembles a snail's shell. It is filled with fluid and contains the basilar membrane and the Organ of Corti, where sound vibrations are transduced into nerve impulses. This perfectly matches the description.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The snail-shaped, fluid-filled structure of the inner ear is the cochlea.