For frequencies of sound to which place theory applies,neurons inform the brain of these frequencies by:
A)Altering rates of neural firing via fewer IPSPs occurring in inner hair cells
B)Changing patterns of neural firing via lowered threshold of firing in inner hair cells
C)The region of the basilar membrane with maximal vibration and subsequently which neurons are firing most
D)Changing the number of fibers activated and the pattern of volleying across different fibers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Place theory states that different frequencies of sound activate different regions along the basilar membrane in the cochlea, with higher frequency sounds causing maximal vibration closer to the base of the membrane and lower frequency sounds causing maximal vibration closer to the apex of the membrane. Neurons are then activated according to which region of the membrane is vibrating the most, providing the brain with the necessary information about the frequency of the sound. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as it describes the mechanism of how neurons inform the brain of these frequencies by detecting the maximal vibration region of the basilar membrane.

For Frequencies of Sound to Which Place Theory Applies,neurons Inform