The brain perceives the pitch of a sound based on the

a. region of the cochlea sending the signal.
b. number of action potentials sent by the neurons.
c. speed of the action potentials sent by the neurons.
d. size of the action potentials sent by the neurons.
e. tension produced along the cochlear membrane.


A; Different regions of the cochlea have different mechanical properties due to the width of the internal membrane. Different pitches cause different parts of the membrane to vibrate, stimulating particular nerve cells touching that part. The brain decodes which neurons have sent a message as the pitch of the sound received. The number of potentials codes the loudness of the sound (choice b). The speed of conduction and height of action potential will not vary according to either pitch or intensity (choices c and d). The membrane itself does not produce action potentials (choice e).

Biology & Microbiology

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