Question

Cells of Deiters occur in
A. Utriculus
B. Retina of the eye
C. Organ of Corti
D. Sebaceous glands

Answer 1

Hint: Cells of Deiters are named after scientist Otto Deiters. He worked exclusively on neuroanatomy. The Cells of Deiters are also known as phalangeal cells and function as a supporting cell. These cells are known to be a part of the auditory pathway.

Complete answer:
Option (a) is incorrect. Utriculus or utricle forms a part of the membranous labyrinths of the ear. They take part in the balancing mechanisms performed by the ear. The semicircular canals of the ear are known to arise from the utricle. The utricle is concerned with linear acceleration motions and tilting of head in the horizontal plane. The Cells of Deiters are not a part of the utriculus.
Option (b) is incorrect. Retina forms the innermost part of the eye. The retina of the eye is composed of the photoreceptor cells called rod cells and cone cells. These cells are responsible for reception of light energy and image formation. The rod cells help us in monochromatic vision while cone cells are responsible for colour vision.
Option (c) is correct. The Organ of Corti is present in the inner ear. The structure is composed of sensory hair cells arranged in rows of two. It is named after scientist Alfonso Corti who described it. The Organ of Corti has two types of hair cells – outer and inner. The outer hair cells are supported by the Cells of Deiters at their base. The outer hair cells are supported on the upper surface by the reticular lamina. Therefore, Cells of Deiters forms an integral part of the Organ of Corti.
Option (d) is incorrect. The sebaceous glands are exocrine glands, that is they secrete their secretions through ducts. The sebaceous glands are present on the hair follicles of the body. The secretion of these glands is called the sebum. The chief constituent of sebum is primarily oil. It helps to keep the skin and scalp of animals lubricated.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The Cells of Deiters are an integral part of the inner ear. They are present within the Organ of Corti as supporting structures of the outer hair follicles. The Organ of Corti is responsible for auditory transduction mechanisms.