Question

If sound is more intense in the left ear, what will happen to left and right LSO?

a) Left LSO is inhibited, right LSO is enhanced
b) Left LSO is enhanced, right LSO is inhibited
c) Both LSOs are inhibited
d) Both LSOs are enhanced

Answer 1

When sound is more intense in the left ear, the left LSO is inhibited and the right LSO is enhanced. The interaural intensity difference is responsible for this.

Step-by-step explanation:

When sound is more intense in the left ear, the left LSO (lateral superior olive) is inhibited, while the right LSO is enhanced. The LSOs are part of the auditory pathway in the brain stem that helps localize sound. The interaural intensity difference, where the sound is louder in the left ear due to the blocking of sound waves by the head, plays a role in this process.