Chapter 7- The Other Sensory Systems Flashcards
What are sound waves?
periodic compressions of air, water or other media. Varies in amplitude and frequency
True or false. We are able to detect all sensory information?
False. Some sensory information lies beyond our ability to detect it.
True or False. Audition depends upon our ability to detect sound waves?
True.
What is Amplitude?
The intensity of a sound wave, measured in decibels. Related to loudness, the psychological experience of amplitude ( perception)
What is Frequency?
The number of compressions per second, measured in hertz. Related to pitch, the psychological experience of frequency ( perception)
What is the range of frequencies that adults can hear?
15hz to about 20,000 hz
Name the three tiny bones of the Tympanic Membrane.
Malleus ( hammer), Incus ( Anvil) and Stapes (Stirrup)
What does the Pinna do?
helps us locate the source of the sound. It is the funnel, structure of flesh and cartilage attached to each side of the head
What is the net effect of the audition system?
sound waves are converted into waves of greater pressure on small oval window
What is the Cochlea?
snail- shaped structure in inner ear containing three long fluid filled tunnels.
Scala Vestibula
Scala Media
Scala Tympani
what is the correct order of the structures that sound waves travel through as they pass from the outer ear to the inner ear?
Pinna, tympanic membrane, oval window, cochlea
What are the two main ways of coding sensory information?
Which cells are active and how frequently they fire
What is Place Theory?
Basilar Membrane resembles strings of a piano, each area along membrane is tuned to a specific frquency
What is wrong with the Place Theory?
Various parts of the Basilar Membrane are bound to tightly together for this to work
What is the Frequency Theory?
Basilar membrane vibrates in synchrony with a sound, causing auditory nerve axons to produce action potentials at the same frequency
What is wrong with the Frequency Theory?
The refractory period of a neuron is .001 or 1/1000 of a second. this means that the max firing rate would be 1000 hz, which in actuality its 20,000 hz
What is the Current Theory of sound?
a combination of place and frequency theory.
for low frequency sounds ( up to about 100 hz) basilar membrane vibrate in synchrony with sound waves, like the frequency theory says.
At higher frequencies, neuron’s action potentials are phase- locked to peaks of the sound waves ( they occur at the same phase of the sound waves) like the place theory says
What is the Volley Principle?
Auditory nerve as a whole produces volleys of impulses for sounds up to about 4,000 per sec, even though no individual axon approaches that frequency.
auditory cells must time their responses precisely
True or False. Most human hearing takes place below 4000 Hz?
True.
What is Amusia?
impaired detection of frequency associated with thicker than average auditory cortex in right hemisphere ( tone deafness)
What is Absolute Pitch?
the ability to hear a note and identify it. Genetic predisposition, but main determinant is early and extensive musical training. More common among people who speak tonal languages.
True or False. Axons cross over midbrain to enable each hemisphere to get most of its input from opposite ear?
True.
Where does sound information ultimately reach?
The Primary Auditory Cortex AKA Area A1 in the the Superior Temporal Cortex
Where is Area A1 ( Primary Auditory Cortex) located?
Superior Temporal Cortex