Place theory suggests that receptor cells
A) along the entire basilar membrane vary their rate of responding to correspond to the frequency of a sound.
B) at different locations on the basilar membrane respond to sounds of different frequencies.
C) along the entire basilar membrane vary their rate of responding to correspond to the loudness of a sound.
D) at different locations on the basilar membrane respond to sounds of different loudness.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Place theory states that different frequencies of sound waves stimulate different hair cells (receptor cells) along the basilar membrane, which is why hair cells at different locations on the basilar membrane respond to sounds of different frequencies. This theory suggests that the location of the stimulated hair cells corresponds to the pitch perceived by the listener.

Place Theory Suggests That Receptor Cells