According to place theory, _____.
A)the basilar membrane vibrates at the same frequency as the sound wave
B)different wave frequencies cause larger vibrations at different locations along the basilar membrane
C)low-frequency sounds are transduced in the middle ear, whereas high-frequency sounds are transduced in the inner ear
D)only one end of the basilar membrane is involved in detecting pitch

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Place theory proposes that different locations on the basilar membrane are activated by different frequencies of sound waves, with each location responding maximally to a specific frequency. This is based on the idea that the basilar membrane varies in stiffness along its length, such that high frequency sounds cause greater vibrations at the stiff, narrow end of the membrane, while low frequency sounds cause greater vibrations at the wider, more flexible end of the membrane. This differential vibration pattern allows the brain to distinguish between different pitches based on the location of maximum stimulation along the membrane.

According to Place Theory, _____