Auditory System : Structure + function Flashcards
In frequency, what are the (3) important details to look at
Cycle of patterns, waveform, power spectrum
Give an example of a periodic vs aperiodic sound.
‘ah’ sound vs the sound of the ocean (continuous but unpredictable)
Although octaves are usually ______ in frequency, our aud. sys perceives them _______
doubled; equivalently
True or false : our acoustics and auditory perception have a linear relationship
False
What is the purpose of the cochlea?
Makes sound waves –> to electrical impulses, ready for perception through the cortex
What are the three ossicles called? (hint : mallet, staple and a squid)
Stapes, incus and malleus
True or false : the MIDDLE ear requires consistent draining
False, the OUTER ear, in the ear canal
What is the common word for the tympanic membrane? (hint : think music)
The eardrum
What is the primary function of the ossicles?
They transmit vibrations into mechanical energy, which is then given to the cochlea
True or false : amplification of frequency comes from our ear canal
True
The bony labyrinth is used for ____
balance
True or false : the semicircular canals do not house the hair cells AND they are fluid-filled
false AND true
Equilibrioception, i.e. the perception of balance, is managed by the ___ system
vestibular
What are the main 3 structures that make up the cochlea?
- Scalae
- Basilar membrane
- Organ of Corti
True or false : every hair cell has to be attached to 2 different nerve fibers
False, it is a 1:1 ratio
The number of functioning hair cells look at the level of auditory _______ that we have
sensitivity
The ____ hair cells control the sensitivity and of the ______ hair cells, producing precision
outer; inner
The coding of the sound wave frequency is produced by the ______ _______ and _____ hair cells
basilar membrane; inner
Which structure is organized by frequency? What is this called? (hint : think hot topic)
The basilar membrane; tonotopic representation (remember cause tone and freq. go together)
Humans can hear frequencies between ___ and ____ Hz (hertz)
20; 20 000
True or false : the basilar membrane distinguishes sounds
False, it is the cilia (cause they manage sensitivity and precision of vibrations –> energy)
List the whole cycle of sound IN THE INNER EAR (6 steps)
- Displacement of the basilar membrane
- Hair cells bend in response
- Cilia become more sensitive to CERTAIN molecules
- Nerve fibres attached to cilia fire signals
- Signal reaches the brain
- Brain perceives the sound
Describe the process of sound (just the structures)
Pinna –> EAM –> eardrum –> ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes) –> vestibular apparatus –> cochlea (basilar mem. + organ of Corti) –> cilia –> auditory nerve
