Pivot points for tectorial and basilar membranes Shear force Tectorial membrane d displ iNner hair cell Basilar membrane Shear force Downward displacement As the basilar membrane vibrates the stereocilia, at the apex of the sensory hair cells are deflected, by the shearing between the organ of corti and the tectorial membrane lying above it. The QuickTime pivot points of the organ of Corti and Animation de tectorial membrane are off-set, so that when the basilar membrane is displaced, the tectorial membrane moves across the tips of the stereocilia deflecting the hair bundleAs the basilar membrane vibrates, the stereocilia, at the apex of the sensory hair cells are deflected, by the shearing between the organ of Corti and the tectorial membrane lying above it. The pivot points of the organ of Corti and tectorial membrane are off-set, so that when the basilar membrane is displaced, the tectorial membrane moves across the tips of the stereocilia, deflecting the hair bundle. QuickTime™ and a Animation decompressor are needed to see this picture