Final answer:
In place theory, the frequency of a sound determines where on the basilar membrane vibration occurs, with the base responding to high frequencies and the apex to low frequencies. Hair cells within these regions then respond to specific frequencies based on their location on the membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
In place theory, it is thought that frequency transmission is based on where on the basilar membrane a particular sound is. The base of this structure is stiff and narrow, while the apex is flexible and wide. This means that the base will better respond to high frequency sounds, while the apex will respond best to low frequency sounds. Accordingly, hair cells will have a preferred frequency they respond to based on where they are located.
The basilar membrane vibrates in different regions according to the frequency of sound waves, with high frequency sounds causing vibrations near the oval window (the base) and lower frequencies vibrating the membrane farther along towards the apex. The hair cells organized on the membrane therefore are each tuned to a specific frequency range, allowing for precise pitch detection within the auditory system.