Why is it important for the basilar membrane to move? A. Movement of the basilar membrane causes neurons to spike in the ear canal. B. It's not; the basilar membrane doesn't move. C. Movement of the basilar membrane causes hair cells to bend, releasing neurotransmitters. D. Movement of the basilar membrane blocks loud sounds from entering the inner ear, preventing damage to the inner ear structures. E. Movement of the basilar membrane causes the ossicles to transmit energy to the oval window, releasing neurotransmitters. 6

The basilar membrane can be defined as membrane which is stiff in nature and is found in the cochlea of the inner ear that separates two fluid filled tubes which runs along the coil of the cochlea, scala tympani and scala media.

The movement of the basilar membrane causes the movement of the streocilia as it is attached to the basilar membrane.

The tectorial membrane along with the hair cells move with the streocilia bending with the relative motion of the tectoria membrane. This helps in signal transmission.

This movement causes opening and closing of the gated channels present on the cilia of the hair cells.