As sound levels increase in the organ of Corti ________.

A) outer hair cells bend the cilia away from the kinocilium
B) inner hair cells bend the cilia away from the kinocilium
C) inner hair cells stiffen the basilar membrane
D) outer hair cells stiffen the basilar membrane

Organ of Corti

A structure in the cochlea of the inner ear that produces nerve impulses in response to sound vibrations.

Kinocilium

A specialized type of cilium on the apical surface of hair cells in the sensory epithelium of the vertebrate inner ear, crucial for the detection of sound and movement.

Basilar Membrane

A structure in the cochlea of the inner ear that supports the organ of Corti, playing a critical role in sound perception.