Which of the following are paired incorrectly?
a. Cochlear duct—cupula
b. Vestibule—macula
c. Ampulla—otoliths
d. Semicircular duct—ampulla

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the anatomy and physiology of the structures mentioned in the problem. The cochlear duct, vestibule, ampulla, and semicircular duct are all parts of the inner ear, which is responsible for hearing and balance.
2. Step 2: Review the function and associated structures of each term. For example, the cochlear duct is part of the cochlea and is associated with the organ of Corti, not the cupula. The vestibule contains the macula, which detects linear acceleration and head position. The ampulla is part of the semicircular canals and contains the cupula, which detects rotational movement. Otoliths are found in the macula, not the ampulla.
3. Step 3: Match each term with its correct associated structure. Identify any mismatches based on your understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the inner ear.
4. Step 4: Analyze each option provided in the question: a. Cochlear duct—cupula (incorrect pairing), b. Vestibule—macula (correct pairing), c. Ampulla—otoliths (incorrect pairing), d. Semicircular duct—ampulla (correct pairing).
5. Step 5: Conclude by identifying the incorrectly paired options based on the analysis above. Ensure you understand why each pairing is correct or incorrect to solidify your knowledge of inner ear anatomy.

Key Concepts

Cochlear Duct and Cupula

The cochlear duct is part of the cochlea in the inner ear, responsible for hearing, while the cupula is a structure found in the ampulla of the semicircular canals, involved in balance. Therefore, pairing the cochlear duct with the cupula is incorrect, as they serve different functions and are located in different parts of the ear.

Vestibule and Macula

The vestibule is a central part of the inner ear that contains the macula, which is responsible for detecting linear acceleration and head position relative to gravity. This pairing is correct, as the macula is indeed located within the vestibule, specifically in the utricle and saccule.

Ampulla and Otoliths

The ampulla is a structure located at the base of each semicircular canal, containing the cupula and sensory hair cells for detecting rotational movements. Otoliths, on the other hand, are small calcium carbonate crystals found in the utricle and saccule of the vestibule, not in the ampulla. Thus, this pairing is incorrect.