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People lacking melanocytes are deaf. These cells function as part of:

  • A. Hair cells
  • B. modiolus
  • C. spiral limbus
  • D. stria vascularis
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: stria vascularis. Melanocytes are present in the stria vascularis of the cochlea, which is essential for maintaining the endocochlear potential and supporting the function of the hair cells. Without melanocytes, the stria vascularis cannot maintain the proper ion balance necessary for hearing, leading to deafness.

A: Hair cells are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals and are not directly related to melanocytes.

B: The modiolus is a bony structure in the cochlea that houses the spiral ganglion, which transmits signals from the hair cells to the brain. It is not directly involved with melanocytes.

C: The spiral limbus is a structure in the cochlea that supports the organ of Corti and is not directly related to melanocytes.