What is the function of hair cells in the crista?

Hair cells in the crista are specialized sensory receptors located in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Their primary function is to detect head movement, particularly rotational or angular acceleration. The crista contains these hair cells, which are embedded in a gelatinous structure called the cupula. When the head moves, the endolymph fluid within the semicircular canals shifts, causing the cupula to bend. This movement of the cupula stimulates the hair cells, leading to a change in their electrical activity.

As the hair cells are activated, they convert the mechanical movement into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the vestibular nerve. This information is crucial for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.

Other options suggest functions that do not accurately describe the role of hair cells in the crista. For instance, while hair cells are involved in transducing movement into nerve impulses, it is not their primary function, and they are specifically tailored to detect the motion of the head rather than generating nerve impulses themselves directly. Likewise, they do not secrete endolymph or measure sound frequency, as those functions pertain to different parts of the auditory system or other structures within the inner ear.