Which pair of structures contributes to balance in mammals?
Answer Details
The pair of structures that contribute to balance in mammals are the utriculus and sacculus.
The utriculus and sacculus are two structures located in the inner ear, specifically in the vestibular system. These structures are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and head position, which is important for maintaining balance.
The utriculus and sacculus contain specialized hair cells that are embedded in a gel-like substance. When the head moves, the gel-like substance moves as well, which bends the hair cells and creates an electrical signal. This electrical signal is then sent to the brain, which uses the information to help maintain balance.
The other options listed (malleus and stapes, sacculus and cochlea, utriculus and pinna, and fenestra ovalis and sacculus) are all structures in the ear, but they do not play a direct role in balance. The malleus and stapes are part of the middle ear and are involved in hearing. The cochlea is also involved in hearing, while the pinna is the external part of the ear. The fenestra ovalis is a small opening in the inner ear that connects to the middle ear and is involved in transmitting sound waves.