Which statement correctly describes the attachments of the tectorial membrane?

• A Attached medially to the basilar membrane and laterally to inner hair cell stereocilia
• B Attached medially to Reissner's membrane and free laterally
• C Attached medially to the spiral limbus and laterally to the tallest row of outer hair cell stereocilia ✓
• D Free medially and attached laterally to the stria vascularis

Explanation

The tectorial membrane arises from the interdental cells of the spiral limbus on the osseous spiral lamina side and its lateral margin overlies the organ of Corti, where the tallest stereocilia of outer hair cells are embedded in its marginal band. Inner hair cell stereocilia are not firmly embedded and are deflected by endolymph flow, so option A is wrong on both ends.

Reference: Ganong Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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