As the pitch of a sound gets higher,displacements of the basilar membrane
A)occur closer to the oval window.
B)occur closer to the helicotrema.
C)occur uniformly throughout the membrane.
D)become greater in amplitude.
E)become smaller in amplitude.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The basilar membrane is narrower and stiffer at the base (closer to the oval window) and wider and more flexible at the apex (closer to the helicotrema). As the pitch of a sound gets higher, the vibrations of the basilar membrane occur closer to the base, where the membrane is narrower and stiffer. This means that the displacements of the basilar membrane occur closer to the oval window.

As the Pitch of a Sound Gets Higher,displacements of the Basilar