Damage to the portion of the basilar membrane closest to the oval window would cause
A) total deafness.
B) the inability to hear low-pitched sounds.
C) the inability to hear medium-pitched sounds.
D) the inability to hear high-pitched sounds.
E) no damage since there are no auditory hair cells close to the oval window.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The basilar membrane is tonotopically organized, meaning different parts of it are responsible for detecting different frequencies of sound. The portion closest to the oval window is responsible for detecting high-pitched sounds. Damage to this area would impair the ability to hear high-pitched sounds.

Damage to the Portion of the Basilar Membrane Closest to the Oval