What structure connects the inside edge of Reissner's membrane to the spiral lamina?

The spiral ligament is the correct choice because it plays a crucial role in anchoring and supporting the structures within the cochlea of the inner ear. Specifically, the spiral ligament connects the inside edge of Reissner's membrane to the spiral lamina, which is a bony shelf that projects from the modiolus of the cochlea. This connection is significant as it helps maintain the structural integrity of the cochlea and facilitates the proper functioning of hearing. The spiral ligament also contributes to the overall shape of the cochlea and assists in the process of sound transmission through the fluid-filled chambers of the cochlea.

In contrast, the scala media refers to the central chamber within the cochlea that contains endolymph, while the basilar membrane acts as the platform on which the organ of Corti sits and is responsible for the mechanical aspects of hearing, such as the displacement of hair cells in response to sound. The auditory nerve, on the other hand, is responsible for transmitting auditory information from the cochlea to the brain but does not connect Reissner's membrane to the spiral lamina. Therefore, the spiral ligament is the structure that accurately connects these specific components within the cochlea.