Definition
The basilar membrane is a structure in the inner ear that supports the organ of Corti. The organ of Corti contains the hair cells, which are sensory receptors for hearing. Think of it as the foundation upon which the hearing apparatus sits. Different parts of the basilar membrane vibrate in response to different frequencies of sound. This vibration stimulates the hair cells, which then send signals to the brain. Without it, you couldn't differentiate between high and low pitched sounds. It's like the strings of a piano, each tuned to a different note.