Question

What does the place theory of pitch perception suggest?

a) different amplitudes of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different waves.
b) receptors on different portions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies.
c) different portions of the ear are sensitive to sounds of different decibels.
d) receptors on different sections of the malleus, incus, and stapes are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies.
e) all of the above are true about place theory.

Answer 1

The place theory of pitch perception suggests that different areas of the basilar membrane are tuned to different frequencies of sound, with high frequencies stimulating the base and low frequencies the tip. Option B is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The place theory of pitch perception suggests that receptors on different portions of the basilar membrane are sensitive to sounds of different frequencies. According to this theory, the base of the basilar membrane responds best to high frequencies, whereas the tip responds to low frequencies.

Thus, hair cells at the base are high-pitch receptors, and those at the tip are low-pitch receptors. Sound waves vibrate different regions of the basilar membrane, and these vibrations are picked up by the strategically positioned hair cells, which then trigger nerve impulses corresponding to different pitches.

Ultimately, the place theory helps us understand how we can distinguish between various pitches. Sounds of lower frequencies travel further down the basilar membrane before they activate the hair cells, while higher frequencies stimulate cells closer to the base.

This spatial arrangement of hair cell stimulation is key to our ability to perceive a wide range of pitches. Also, the theory posits that for frequencies up to about 4000 Hz, both the rate of action potentials and place cues contribute to our pitch perception, with higher frequencies being encoded exclusively by place cues.