Auditory System : Structure + function

Question 1

In frequency, what are the (3) important details to look at

Answer 1

Cycle of patterns, waveform, power spectrum

Question 2

Give an example of a periodic vs aperiodic sound.

Answer 2

‘ah’ sound vs the sound of the ocean (continuous but unpredictable)

Question 3

Although octaves are usually ______ in frequency, our aud. sys perceives them _______

Answer 3

doubled; equivalently

Question 4

True or false : our acoustics and auditory perception have a linear relationship

Answer 4

False

Question 5

What is the purpose of the cochlea?

Answer 5

Makes sound waves –> to electrical impulses, ready for perception through the cortex

Question 6

What are the three ossicles called? (hint : mallet, staple and a squid)

Answer 6

Stapes, incus and malleus

Question 7

True or false : the MIDDLE ear requires consistent draining

Answer 7

False, the OUTER ear, in the ear canal

Question 8

What is the common word for the tympanic membrane? (hint : think music)

Answer 8

The eardrum

Question 9

What is the primary function of the ossicles?

Answer 9

They transmit vibrations into mechanical energy, which is then given to the cochlea

Question 10

True or false : amplification of frequency comes from our ear canal

Answer 10

True

Question 11

The bony labyrinth is used for ____

Answer 11

balance

Question 12

True or false : the semicircular canals do not house the hair cells AND they are fluid-filled

Answer 12

false AND true

Question 13

Equilibrioception, i.e. the perception of balance, is managed by the ___ system

Answer 13

vestibular

Question 14

What are the main 3 structures that make up the cochlea?

Answer 14

1. Scalae
2. Basilar membrane
3. Organ of Corti

Question 15

True or false : every hair cell has to be attached to 2 different nerve fibers

Answer 15

False, it is a 1:1 ratio

Question 16

The number of functioning hair cells look at the level of auditory _______ that we have

Answer 16

sensitivity

Question 17

The ____ hair cells control the sensitivity and of the ______ hair cells, producing precision

Answer 17

outer; inner

Question 18

The coding of the sound wave frequency is produced by the ______ _______ and _____ hair cells

Answer 18

basilar membrane; inner

Question 19

Which structure is organized by frequency? What is this called? (hint : think hot topic)

Answer 19

The basilar membrane; tonotopic representation (remember cause tone and freq. go together)

Question 20

Humans can hear frequencies between ___ and ____ Hz (hertz)

Answer 20

20; 20 000

Question 21

True or false : the basilar membrane distinguishes sounds

Answer 21

False, it is the cilia (cause they manage sensitivity and precision of vibrations –> energy)

Question 22

List the whole cycle of sound IN THE INNER EAR (6 steps)

Answer 22

1. Displacement of the basilar membrane
2. Hair cells bend in response
3. Cilia become more sensitive to CERTAIN molecules
4. Nerve fibres attached to cilia fire signals
5. Signal reaches the brain
6. Brain perceives the sound

Question 23

Describe the process of sound (just the structures)

Answer 23

Pinna –> EAM –> eardrum –> ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes) –> vestibular apparatus –> cochlea (basilar mem. + organ of Corti) –> cilia –> auditory nerve