According to place theory different wave frequencies cause larger vibrations at different locations along the basilar membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to place theory, different wave frequencies cause larger vibrations at different locations along the basilar membrane. This is because the basilar membrane varies in stiffness along its length, with the stiffest part near the oval window (where sound enters the cochlea) and the most flexible part near the apex of the cochlea. This means that high-frequency sounds cause the basilar membrane near the oval window to vibrate more, while low-frequency sounds cause the basilar membrane near the apex to vibrate more. This pattern of vibration causes the hair cells along the basilar membrane to be stimulated by different frequencies of sound, allowing the brain to distinguish between different pitches.

According to Place Theory Different Wave Frequencies Cause Larger Vibrations