Neurons cannot fire fast enough to keep up with high-pitched sound waves. Therefore, they alternate firing according to the ______.
A) place theory
B) frequency theory
C) volley principle
D) switch theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The volley principle states that groups of neurons fire in rapid succession, alternating firing to keep up with higher pitches beyond the individual neuron's firing capacity. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. The place theory states that different areas of the cochlea respond to different frequencies of sound, while the frequency theory suggests that the rate of nerve impulses traveling up the auditory nerve matches the frequency of a tone. However, neither of these theories explains how neurons can fire fast enough to handle high-pitched sounds. Finally, there is no such theory as the switch theory in auditory perception.

Neurons Cannot Fire Fast Enough to Keep Up with High-Pitched