tectorial membrane morphology trait Trait.ontology VT:0003149 Any measurable or observable characteristic related to the shape, structure, color or pattern of the overlaying membrane of cochlear duct, an extracellular matrix of the inner ear that contacts the stereocilia bundles of specialized sensory hair cells; sound induces movement of these hair cells relative to the tectorial membrane, deflects the stereocilia, and leads to fluctuations in hair cell membrane potential, transducing sound into electrical signals. scala media morphology trait