The Question is from neet-zoology neural-control-and-coordination the-ear, and it was created by the author T HARITHA

Question

A patient experiences difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds but can perceive low-frequency sounds normally.  Damage to which specific area of the cochlea is MOST likely responsible for this condition?

T HARITHA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Tonotopic organization of the cochlea
 **Related Topics**: Auditory physiology, cochlear anatomy, hearing loss
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of sound frequency and its relationship to basilar membrane vibration.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The patient has difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds but normal low-frequency hearing.
  This indicates selective damage to a specific region of the cochlea.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Understanding the tonotopic organization of the cochlea:
  Reasoning: The basilar membrane within the cochlea is tonotopically organized.  High-frequency sounds cause maximal vibration near the base of the cochlea, while low-frequency sounds cause maximal vibration near the apex.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable, but the concept of tonotopic organization is key.
 2. Relating the symptom to the cochlear location:
  Working: Since the patient has difficulty hearing high frequencies, the damage must be located where high-frequency sounds are processed – the base of the cochlea.
  Key Point: The base of the cochlea is stiffer and narrower than the apex, leading to its sensitivity to high frequencies.
 3. Identifying the correct option:
  Result: Damage to the base of the cochlea is the most likely cause of the described hearing loss.
  Verification: The other options are incorrect because damage to the apex would affect low-frequency hearing, damage throughout the Organ of Corti would result in broader hearing loss, and the helicotrema is not directly involved in frequency discrimination.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A ✓: Damage to the base of the cochlea correctly explains the selective loss of high-frequency hearing. High-frequency sounds cause maximum displacement at the base of the basilar membrane.
B :x: Damage to the apex would primarily affect low-frequency hearing.
C :x: Damage throughout the Organ of Corti would likely result in a more generalized hearing loss, not selective high-frequency loss.
D :x: The helicotrema is the point where the scala vestibuli and scala tympani connect at the apex of the cochlea and is not directly involved in frequency-specific hearing.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the apex and base of the cochlea regarding frequency sensitivity: Remember that the base is sensitive to high frequencies, and the apex is sensitive to low frequencies.
  2.Overlooking the tonotopic organization of the cochlea: Understanding this principle is crucial for solving this type of question.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Visualize the cochlea and the basilar membrane's tonotopic organization.
  2.Associate high frequencies with the base and low frequencies with the apex.

T HARITHA · Answer

The correct Option is "Base of the cochlea"

T HARITHA · Answer

Apex of the cochlea

T HARITHA · Answer

Organ of Corti throughout the cochlea

T HARITHA · Answer

Helicotrema

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