Question

The ion composition of perilymph is similar to that of interstitial fluid; high sodium and low potassium levels. Dr. Luther stated that Julius’ fall ruptured the vestibular membrane, the membrane between the scala vestibuli and thescala media. What would be the effect of such a rupture on the concentration of the potassium in the endolymph in the scala media, when it mixes with perilymph from the scala vestibuli?
What would be the effect of this mixing of endolymph and perilymph on the amount of potassium (and therefore the amount of membrane depolarization) that enters the hair cells when the stereocilia are bent by sound waves?

If the number of open voltage-gated calcium channels depends upon the amount of membrane depolarization, what would be the effect of this mixing of endolymph and perilymph on the amount of calcium that enters the hair cells? Further, what would be the effect on the number of vesicles released by the hair cells and the number of action potentials produced in the sensory neurons?

How can the mixing of endolymph and perilymph affect someone's hearing?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

If the endolymph is mixed with the perilymph then their potassium levels will tend to reach to equilibrium as it is stated that the intermediate membrane have been ruptured. The potassium level will decrease here.

In stereocilia the concentration of the potassium will also tend to reach equilibrium because the membrane is ruptured and the flow of the ions will not remain unidirectional.

The calcium concentration is more in the perilymph as compared to endolymph so the rupturing will allow more calcium ions to get incorporated in the hair vesicles.

The hearing will be affected by mixing of endolymph and perilymph as it will disturb the concentration of various ions and hence the ion channel will be clogged and there will be hearing loss.