Find the incorrect match

The correct answer is "Cristae – perform hearing function".

Let us analyze the options step-by-step to understand why this match is incorrect and why the other options represent correct physiological pairings:
1. Saccule and utricle – maintain static equilibrium: This is a correct match. The saccule and utricle are parts of the otolith organ in the inner ear. They contain sensory receptors (maculae) that are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and gravity, thereby helping to maintain static equilibrium and posture.
2. Hair cells – present on basilar membrane: This is a correct match. The hair cells are the sensory receptors for hearing. They are located in the organ of Corti, which rests on the basilar membrane within the cochlea of the inner ear.
3. Middle ear – amplifies sound waves: This is a correct match. The middle ear contains three tiny bones (ossicles)—the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones transmit sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to the oval window of the cochlea, amplifying the pressure of sound waves in the process.
4. Cristae – perform hearing function: This is an incorrect match. Cristae (specifically, cristae ampullares) are located in the ampullae of the semicircular canals in the inner ear. They contain sensory hair cells that detect rotational or dynamic movement of the head to maintain dynamic equilibrium (balance), not hearing.

Therefore, the pairing "Cristae – perform hearing function" is the incorrect match.