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MCQs: Internal Ear Anatomy – For NEET PG & University Exams

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Instructions: Choose the single best answer for each question.

  1. Which of the following structures is part of the membranous labyrinth and is primarily responsible for detecting linear acceleration in the horizontal plane? a) Cochlear duct b) Saccule c) Utricle d) Semicircular canal e) Endolymphatic sac
  2. The Organ of Corti is located on which of the following membranes within the cochlea? a) Reissner’s membrane b) Tectorial membrane c) Basilar membrane d) Secondary tympanic membrane e) Stapedial membrane
  3. Which fluid fills the scala vestibuli and scala tympani of the cochlea? a) Endolymph b) Cortilymph c) Perilymph d) Cerebrospinal fluid e) Intracellular fluid
  4. The primary function of the outer hair cells in the Organ of Corti is: a) Direct transmission of auditory signals to the brain. b) Secretion of endolymph. c) Amplification of basilar membrane motion and frequency tuning. d) Detection of rotational head movements. e) Absorption of perilymph.
  5. The labyrinthine artery typically branches off from which major artery? a) Middle meningeal artery b) Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) c) Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) d) Internal carotid artery e) Vertebral artery
  6. In Meniere’s disease, the pathological hallmark is an excess of which inner ear fluid? a) Perilymph b) Cortilymph c) Cerebrospinal fluid d) Endolymph e) Plasma
  7. Which of the following structures connects the scala vestibuli and scala tympani at the apex of the cochlea? a) Round window b) Oval window c) Helicotrema d) Cochlear aqueduct e) Ductus reuniens
  8. The macula cribrosa superior (Mike’s dot) is a feature of the medial wall of the bony vestibule and transmits nerve filaments to which structure? a) Saccule b) Cochlear duct c) Inferior vestibular nerve d) Utricle and superior/lateral semicircular ducts e) Endolymphatic sac
  9. A cochlear implant electrode is typically inserted into which specific part of the cochlea? a) Scala vestibuli b) Scala media c) Scala tympani d) Modiolus e) Organ of Corti
  10. The crus commune is formed by the fusion of the non-ampullated ends of which two semicircular canals? a) Superior and lateral b) Lateral and posterior c) Superior and posterior d) All three semicircular canals e) It opens separately

MCQ Answers and Explanations:

  1. c) Utricle
    • Explanation: The utricle is an otolithic organ within the membranous vestibular labyrinth. Its macula detects linear acceleration in the horizontal plane and static head tilt. The saccule detects vertical linear acceleration.
  2. c) Basilar membrane
    • Explanation: The Organ of Corti, the sensory receptor for hearing, sits directly on the basilar membrane within the scala media (cochlear duct).
  3. c) Perilymph
    • Explanation: The scala vestibuli and scala tympani, parts of the bony labyrinth, are filled with perilymph, which resembles extracellular fluid and CSF. The scala media (cochlear duct) is filled with endolymph.
  4. c) Amplification of basilar membrane motion and frequency tuning.
    • Explanation: Outer hair cells exhibit electromotility, actively contracting and expanding to amplify the vibrations of the basilar membrane. This enhances the sensitivity and frequency selectivity of the cochlea, which is crucial for hearing soft sounds and fine frequency discrimination. Inner hair cells are the primary transducers.
  5. c) Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)
    • Explanation: The labyrinthine artery (internal auditory artery) is usually a branch of the AICA. Less commonly, it can arise directly from the basilar artery.
  6. d) Endolymph
    • Explanation: Meniere’s disease is pathologically characterized by endolymphatic hydrops, an excess accumulation of endolymph within the membranous labyrinth.
  7. c) Helicotrema
    • Explanation: The helicotrema is the only point of communication between the scala vestibuli and scala tympani, located at the apex of the cochlea.
  8. d) Utricle and superior/lateral semicircular ducts
    • Explanation: The macula cribrosa superior transmits nerve filaments from the superior vestibular nerve to the utricle and the ampullae of the superior and lateral semicircular ducts. The macula cribrosa media transmits fibers to the saccule.
  9. c) Scala tympani
    • Explanation: Cochlear implant electrodes are specifically designed to be inserted into the scala tympani, typically via the round window, to directly stimulate the auditory nerve fibers while minimizing trauma to remaining cochlear structures.
  10. c) Superior and posterior
    • Explanation: The non-ampullated ends of the superior (anterior) and posterior semicircular canals join to form the crus commune before opening into the vestibule.

Author:

Dr. Rahul Bagla ENT Textbook

Dr. Rahul Bagla
MBBS (MAMC, Delhi) MS ENT (UCMS, Delhi)
Fellow Rhinoplasty & Facial Plastic Surgery.
Renowned Teaching Faculty
Mail: msrahulbagla@gmail.com India

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Keywords: Helicotrema, Endolymphatic sac, Endolymph, Perilymph, Ductus Reunions, Macula, Saccule, Cristae, Cochlear aqueduct, Anatomy of Internal ear, Internal ear anatomy, Structure of the inner ear, Parts of the internal ear, Function of the inner ear, Cochlea and vestibular system, Detailed anatomy of the internal ear, How does the inner ear work? Bony labyrinth and membranous labyrinth explained, Role of the cochlea in the hearing process, Vestibular system and balance control, What are the parts of the inner ear? How does the cochlea help in hearing? What is the function of semicircular canals? How does the vestibular system maintain balance? What is the difference between the bony and membranous labyrinth? Anatomy of the Internal Ear: Structure, Function, and Clinical Significance, How the Inner Ear Works: Understanding Cochlea & Vestibular System, Complete Guide to Inner Ear Anatomy – Bony & Membranous Labyrinth Explained, Hearing and balance system, Auditory pathway of the inner ear, Sensory organs of the ear, Inner ear fluid dynamics, Ear equilibrium function/p>

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