| Date | May 2016 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 16M.3.SL.TZ0.6 |
| Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Explain the functioning of hair cells in the semicircular canals of the inner ear.
Markscheme
«Sensory hair cells found in semicircular canals» detect movement of the head
Fluid in the canals lags behind movement of head
OR
inertia of fluid makes it move more slowly than head
Fluid movement causes “hairs” of hair cells to bend
Bending of hairs causes nearby sensory neuron to conduct signal
Hairs in all three semicircular canals «which are at right angles so» detect head movement in any direction
Signals passed on to the nerve/brain
Examiners report
Many candidates confused the semicircular canals with the cochlea and described the role of the hair cells in in hearing.
Syllabus sections
Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour » Option A: Neurobiology and behaviour (Core topics) » A.3 Perception of stimuli
Show 67 related questions
