Neurophysiology and special senses: cochlear amplification: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Neurophysiology and special senses: cochlear amplification

Sample item

A newborn hearing screen detects faint sounds emitted from the ear canal after a click. Which structure generates these otoacoustic emissions?

AThe tectorial membraneBStapedius muscle contractionCOuter hair cells by electromotilityDInner hair cells by transduction

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Outer hair cells by electromotility

Outer hair cells change length with membrane potential, amplifying basilar membrane motion, and this active process generates sound that travels back out as otoacoustic emissions. Inner hair cells transmit signals to the auditory nerve.

Option by option

A. The tectorial membrane
The tectorial membrane overlies the hair cells and has no active motion.
B. Stapedius muscle contraction
Stapedius contraction dampens loud sounds and does not generate emissions.
C. Outer hair cells by electromotility (correct)
Correct. Outer hair cell electromotility produces otoacoustic emissions.
D. Inner hair cells by transduction
Inner hair cells are the sensory transducers and do not generate sound.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Outer hair cells by electromotility. Outer hair cells change length with membrane potential, amplifying basilar membrane motion, and this active process generates sound that travels back out as otoacoustic emissions.

Why is "The tectorial membrane" not the answer?

The tectorial membrane overlies the hair cells and has no active motion.

Why is "Stapedius muscle contraction" not the answer?

Stapedius contraction dampens loud sounds and does not generate emissions.

Why is "Inner hair cells by transduction" not the answer?

Inner hair cells are the sensory transducers and do not generate sound.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology and special senses: cochlear amplification in Physiology. Inner hair cells transmit signals to the auditory nerve.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurophysiology and special senses: cochlear amplification?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.