Question

The apex, or innermost part of the cochlea, responds to ______________?

1) Low frequency tones
2) High frequency tones
3) Low volume tones
4) High volume tones
5) None of the above

Answer 1

The apex of the cochlea responds to low frequency tones, as different regions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to specific frequencies, with the apex being tuned to frequencies as low as 20 Hz.

Step-by-step explanation:

The apex, or innermost part of the cochlea, responds to low frequency tones. This is explained by the place theory of pitch perception, which suggests that different parts of the basilar membrane are sensitive to different frequencies. High frequency sounds stimulate the hair cells located near the base of the basilar membrane, while low frequency sounds stimulate those at the apex, or tip. Consequently, the hair cells at the apex respond to frequencies as low as 20 Hz. This organization allows the cochlea to function similarly to a prism, separating sounds into their constituent frequencies, thus enabling us to discern different pitches.