Final answer:
The basilar membrane of the cochlea has different mechanical properties along its length, with the outer part being narrow and stiff and the center being wider and floppier. This allows for detection of different pitches by vibrating at different regions of the membrane. Above the basilar membrane is the tectorial membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basilar membrane of the cochlea has different mechanical properties along its length. At the outside, it is narrow and stiff, while towards the center it becomes wider and floppier. This allows different regions of the basilar membrane to vibrate according to the frequency of sound waves, resulting in the detection of different pitches. Above the basilar membrane is the tectorial membrane, which interacts with the hair cells for sound detection.
The basilar membrane is a structure within the cochlea of the inner ear, and it plays a crucial role in the process of hearing. Different regions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to different frequencies of sound. High-frequency sounds stimulate the narrow and stiff base of the basilar membrane, while low-frequency sounds stimulate the wide and floppy apex. This organization is known as tonotopy, where the cochlea is tonotopically mapped to represent different frequencies along its length.