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.

---

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

Above the basilar membrane is the tectorial membrane.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Inside the cochlea, the basilar membrane is a mechanical analyzer that runs the length of the cochlea, curling toward the cochlea’s center.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Because the tectorial membrane only moves where the basilar membrane moves, the hair cells in this region will also only respond to sounds of this specific frequency.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The wave, however, is not merely a movement of the basilar membrane, but an actual movement of fluid or a transmission of pressure.

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