Question:

The macula situated in the utricle and saccule consists of hair cells and supporting cells. The tips of hair and cilium project into a thick gelatinous sheath called _____ membrane.

Show Hint

The macula of the utricle and saccule is covered by the otolithic membrane containing otoliths.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • tectorial
  • otolithic
  • basilar
  • Reissner's
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The utricle and saccule each have a sensory patch called the macula, made of hair cells and supporting cells.

Step 2: The covering
The hair tips are embedded in a jelly-like layer with calcium carbonate crystals called otoliths. This layer is the otolithic membrane, and it moves with gravity and linear acceleration.

Step 3: Why the other options fail
The tectorial, basilar and Reissner's membranes belong to the cochlea.

Final Answer:
The gelatinous sheath is the otolithic membrane. \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{otolithic}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0