Which part of the inner ear houses the receptor organ of hearing?

• A. Semicircular canals
• B. Eustachian tube
• C. Vestibule
• D. Cochlea

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the anatomy of the inner ear. The inner ear consists of three main parts: the cochlea, the vestibule, and the semicircular canals. Each part has a specific function related to hearing and balance.
2. Step 2: Focus on the cochlea. The cochlea is a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that is specifically responsible for the sense of hearing. It contains the receptor organ of hearing, known as the organ of Corti.
3. Step 3: Learn about the organ of Corti. The organ of Corti is located within the cochlea and contains hair cells that act as sensory receptors. These hair cells convert sound vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve.
4. Step 4: Differentiate the cochlea from other parts of the inner ear. The semicircular canals are involved in balance and detecting rotational movements, while the vestibule is responsible for detecting linear movements and gravity. Neither of these structures is directly involved in hearing.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the cochlea houses the receptor organ of hearing, the organ of Corti, making it the correct answer to the question.