Final answer:
The temporal theory of pitch perception states that pitch is determined by the rate at which neurons fire in response to sound waves. The place theory complements this by suggesting that pitch is also determined by the specific location along the basilar membrane that is stimulated. Both theories are essential for understanding our sophisticated hearing process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory that posits pitch depends on the rate of response in which neurons fire in sync with signals from sound waves is known as the temporal theory of pitch perception. According to this theory, the sound's frequency is coded by the activity level of a sensory neuron, with a given hair cell firing action potentials correlated with the frequency of the sound wave. Nevertheless, there's a limit to how fast a cell can fire due to the properties of sodium channels involved in action potentials.
In contrast, the place theory complements temporal theory by explaining that higher frequency sounds primarily vibrate the basilar membrane close to the oval window while lower frequencies affect areas farther along the membrane. This allows for pitch determination based on where along the basilar membrane the hair cells are stimulated. Ultimately, our perception of pitch is a sophisticated combination of both the temporal coding and specific location (place theory) of stimulation along the basilar membrane.
Considering the complexity of hearing, a refining or "sharpening" mechanism in our auditory system enhances our pitch resolution, allowing for a more precise discernment of different pitches. As hair cells are activated, they generate neural impulses that are processed in various parts of the brain, leading to pitch recognition and sound localization.