Management Notes

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What does the place theory of pitch perception suggest?

What does the place theory of pitch perception suggest?

A) Different amplitudes of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different waves.
B) Different portions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies.
C) Different portions of the ear are sensitive to sounds of different decibels.
D) Different sections of the cochlea are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies.

Correct Answer: B) Different portions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies.

Answer Explanation:

Yes, that’s correct. The place theory of pitch perception suggests that different frequencies of sound are processed by different regions or “places” along the basilar membrane, a thin, flexible membrane located in the inner ear. Different parts of the basilar membrane vibrate at different frequencies in response to sound waves.

The place theory states that the frequency of a sound wave depends on where the wave is most strongly stimulated along the basilar membrane. The basilar membrane near the base of the cochlea is stimulated by higher frequency sounds, while the basilar membrane near the apex is stimulated by lower frequency sounds. Pitch is interpreted by the brain after this information is transmitted.

We likely perceive pitch through multiple mechanisms, including the place theory, which is just one of several theories of pitch perception. The basilar membrane is not uniformly sensitive to all frequencies of sound, according to place theory. Different parts of the membrane are more or less sensitive to different frequencies. The basilar membrane, which extends from the base of the cochlea to its apex, becomes progressively wider and more flexible as it extends.

A high frequency sound causes the cochlea’s narrow and stiff membrane to vibrate most strongly at its base. Depending on the frequency of the sound, this results in a wave-like motion along the membrane. High frequency sounds are the most responsive to neurons in this part of the membrane, which transmits information to the brain.

Low frequency sounds cause the cochlea’s membrane to vibrate most strongly at the apex, where it is wider and more flexible. There is again a wave-like motion along the membrane, peaks at specific locations. These neurons transmit information to the brain when they are connected to this part of the membrane.

The place theory implies that pitch is not solely determined by the frequency of a sound wave. Basilar membrane vibration depends both on frequency and location. Pitch is perceived differently if the location of maximal vibration is different for two sounds with the same frequency.

Researchers have examined cochlear implants as well as other types of hearing loss in order to establish the place theory of pitch perception. There are other theories of pitch perception, including the temporal theory, which suggests that pitch is encoded by the timing of neural activity in response to sound waves.

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