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

It is composed of hair cells held in place above the basilar membrane like flowers projecting up from soil, with their exposed short, hair-like stereocilia contacting or embedded in the tectorial membrane above them.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Above the basilar membrane is the tectorial membrane.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The hair cells are arranged on the basilar membrane in an orderly way.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Different regions of the basilar membrane vibrate according to the frequency of the sound wave conducted through the fluid in the cochlea.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

With each maximum and minimum different parts of the basilar membrane are affected, and affected a different number of times per second, according to the frequencies of the partials existing in the compound tone.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various