Békésy's place theory of hearing proposes that the frequency of a sound is
A) based on how much the inner hair cells are bent.
B) based on how much the outer hair cells are bent.
C) based on whether the sound is processed through the round window or the oval window.
D) the place along the organ of Corti at which the nerve firing is highest.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Békésy's place theory of hearing proposed that the frequency of a sound is perceived based on the specific location (place) along the organ of Corti at which the nerve firing is highest. This theory suggests that different parts of the basilar membrane vibrate more in response to different frequencies of sound, resulting in the activation of different groups of hair cells and corresponding firing of different auditory nerve fibers. Therefore, the brain can perceive different frequencies of sound based on which group of nerve fibers is firing most strongly.

Békésy's Place Theory of Hearing Proposes That the Frequency of a Sound