The sensation of loudness or the volume of a sound is detected by ________.
A) high volume sounds can travel all the way the apex of the scala vestibule with enough energy remaining to deflect hair cells
B) faster vibration of the basilar membrane resulting in a higher frequency of hair cell stimulation
C) greater movement of the basilar membrane resulting in greater deflection of the hair cells
D) vibration along a greater length of the basilar membrane, stimulating a greater number of hair cells

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Greater movement of the basilar membrane results in greater deflection of the hair cells, which in turn leads to a stronger signal being sent to the brain, indicating a louder sound. Option A is incorrect because the apex of the scala vestibule is responsible for detecting low frequency sounds, while high frequency sounds are detected near the base of the cochlea. Option B is incorrect because faster vibration of the basilar membrane results in a higher pitch or frequency of sound, not necessarily louder volume. Option D is also incorrect because the number of hair cells stimulated does not necessarily correlate with loudness, as the movement and deflection of those hair cells is the determining factor.

The Sensation of Loudness or the Volume of a Sound