basilar membrane

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. a supporting membrane, especially the membrane that supports the organ of Corti in the ear and aids in translating sound vibrations into electrical signals.

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Etymology

Origin of basilar membrane

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

When the sound waves in the cochlear fluid contact the basilar membrane, it flexes back and forth in a wave-like fashion.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

When sound waves produce fluid waves inside the cochlea, the basilar membrane flexes, bending the stereocilia that attach to the tectorial membrane.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The basilar membrane that lines the cochlea gets continuously thinner toward the apex of the cochlea.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

As stated above, a given region of the basilar membrane will only move if the incoming sound is at a specific frequency.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The basilar membrane, while continuous throughout, may be regarded as made up of many separate cords of different lengths stretched side by side.

From Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary Schools by Walters, Francis M.