Question

Based on the passage results, how would the mass and stiffness be expected to vary along the length of the membrane?

A. They would both be at a maximum value at the base and decrease along the membrane to a minimum at the apex.

B. They would both be at a minimum value at the base and increase along the membrane to a maximum value at the apex.

C. The stiffness would be highest at the base, while mass would be highest at the apex.

D. The stiffness would be lowest at the base, while mass would be lowest at the apex.

Answer 1

The stiffness of the basilar membrane is highest at the base, while the mass is highest at the apex.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mechanical properties of the basilar membrane change along its length, with it being thicker, tauter, and narrower at the outside of the whorl and thinner, floppier, and broader toward the center of the whorl. Different regions of the basilar membrane vibrate according to the frequency of the sound wave. Based on this information, the mass and stiffness of the basilar membrane would be expected to vary along its length, with the stiffness being highest at the base and the mass being highest at the apex.