Question

Receptor cells for balancing occur in the human ear in
A. Malleus, incus and stapes
B. Utriculus, sacculus, and semicircular canals
C. Organ of Corti
D. Eustachian tube

Answer 1

Hint: The balancing is obtained with the help of our ears.
A particular structure called the vestibular apparatus helps in balancing.

Complete answer: Balance in humans is maintained by the inner ear vestibular apparatus.
1. It consists of specific receptors called crista and macula.
2. Crista is a projected ridge of a semi-circular canal ampulla.
3. A projected ridge of sacculus and utriculus creates macula.
4. The sacculus and utriculus are otolith organs in the vestibular apparatus.
5. The location of the head is first sensed by the organ of balance or vestibular apparatus.
6. As already mentioned, it consists of two sacs called the saccule and the utricle.
7. Receptors called maculae are inside these sacs. They are made of sensory hair cells with tiny crystals inside. The gravitational force causes the crystals to slide to one side if we turn our heads.
8. It causes a tug on the gel and the sensory hairs.
Now the hair cells fire nerve impulses to the brain along the vestibular nerve.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: Malleus, incus, and stapes are the ear ossicles that help transmit sound.
The organ of Corti is situated in the inner ear and helps in hearing.
The eustachian tube helps control pressure within the middle ear.