When a complex sound reaches the basilar membrane, one can expect that ______.
A)the sound will be processed on Reissner's membrane, not the basilar membrane
B)the sound is dampened by stereocilia in the oval window
C)the basilar membrane will displace at multiple points
D)the cochlea will unwind just a bit to allow hair cells to reach the sound

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The basilar membrane plays a critical role in processing complex sounds in the cochlea. When a complex sound reaches the basilar membrane, it will displace at multiple points, allowing for different frequencies to be processed by different regions of the membrane. This is known as tonotopic organization, where higher frequencies are processed closer to the base of the cochlea and lower frequencies are processed closer to the apex. Reissner's membrane separates endolymph from perilymph and does not play a direct role in sound processing. Stereocilia are located on hair cells within the cochlea and do not dampen sound waves. The cochlea does not unwind to allow hair cells to reach sound.

When a Complex Sound Reaches the Basilar Membrane, One Can