the ear and sound Flashcards
what is the stimulus for hearing?
pressure waves / sound waves
what do pressure waves represent a form of?
mechanical energy
ears translate pressure energy ino?
neural code
regardless of the barrier pressure waves are being transmitted through, we hear these waves that are created through
expansion and compression of the molecules
what does frequency refer to?
the number of cycles per second
what is frequency usually measured in?
hertz
what is frequency related to?
the perceptual experience of pitch
if there is a higher frequency, what length is the wavelength?
short
what is amplitude?
the amount of compression and expansion of molecules in conducting medium
what is amplitude related to?
perceptual experience of perceived loudness
if something has a lower amplitude, the sound is?
quiet!
what is amplitude measured in?
decibels (dB)
what is the auditory system designed to do?
funnel in pressure (sound) waves and translate them into neural impulses for transduction
what does the outer ear funnel sound towards?
the eardrum (tympanic membrane)
what does the tympanic membrane do in response to incoming soundwaves?
the eardrum vibrates
what does the middle ear consist of? what do they do?
three tiny bones that amplify the pressure waves relayed by the eardrum
what are the three small bones in the middle ear?
the hammer (malleus), the anvil (incus) and the stirrup (stapes)
what is the malleus connected to? what does it form?
connected to the eardrum, which forms the boundary between the outer/middle ear
what is the incus connected to?
the other two bones (malleus and stapes)
what is the stapes connected to? what does it form?
connected to the oval window, which forms the boundary between the middle/inner ear
what happens in the inner ear?
pressure waves actually become sound
what are the three main parts of the inner ear?
cochlea, organ of corti, and basilar membrane
what is the cochlea?
a fluid filled tube that moves when vibrations hit it
what is the organ of corti?
within the cochlea that rests on the basilar membrane and contains hair cells that act as sound receptors