Physiology When stereocilia of an auditory hair cell are deflected in the appropriate direction, potassium channels open in the apical membrane of the cell and? A Potassium ions flow out of the cell, hyperpolarizing the cell B Potassium ions flow out of the cell, depolarizing the cell C Potassium ions flow into the cell, hyperpolarizing the cell D Potassium ions flow into the cell, depolarizing the cell 💡 Explanation When stereocilia of an auditory hair cell are deflected in the appropriate direction, potassium channels open in the apical membrane of the cell and? ✓ Correct Answer: D. Potassium ions flow into the cell, depolarizing the cell