Final answer:
Hair cells near the base of the basilar membrane respond best to high-frequency sounds because of the membrane's physical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the responsiveness of hair cells located near the base of the basilar membrane within the human ear. The function of these hair cells is to detect sound frequencies and convert them into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. When considering the base of the basilar membrane, the hair cells are best suited for responding to high-frequency sounds. This is due to the physiology of the cochlea, where the base of the basilar membrane is narrower and stiffer, making it more receptive to these higher frequency vibrations.