Do You Know Auditory System? Play This Quiz

The correct answer is "external auditory meatus" because the ear canal is commonly referred to as the external auditory meatus. It is the tube-like structure that connects the outer ear to the middle ear and allows sound waves to travel into the ear. The tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, is located at the end of the ear canal and separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The basial membrane is not a term used to describe the ear canal, and the ossicular system refers to the three small bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

The frequency range for human hearing is commonly accepted to be between 20 and 20,000 Hz. This range covers the majority of sounds that humans are capable of perceiving, from low-pitched sounds like a deep voice or a bass guitar, to high-pitched sounds like a whistle or a violin. Frequencies below 20 Hz are typically felt as vibrations rather than heard as distinct sounds, while frequencies above 20,000 Hz are often difficult for most people to hear due to age-related hearing loss or damage to the auditory system.

A bigger amplitude for sound pressure levels corresponds to a louder sound because the amplitude of a sound wave represents the maximum displacement of particles in the medium. A larger displacement means that the sound wave is exerting more pressure on the particles, resulting in a stronger compression and rarefaction of the medium. This increased compression and rarefaction leads to a higher intensity of the sound wave, which our ears perceive as a louder sound.

When sounds are louder, they cause the basilar membrane in the ear to vibrate with greater intensity. This increased movement of the basilar membrane leads to an increase in the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter, in the auditory nerve. Therefore, the correct answer is "greater; increase."

pitch depends on frequency

The basilar membrane is a structure within the cochlea that plays a crucial role in the process of hearing. It is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The basilar membrane is not uniform in its properties, but rather varies in stiffness along its length. This variation allows it to vibrate maximally at different points in response to different frequencies of sound. The base of the basilar membrane, which is narrower and stiffer, vibrates maximally in response to high frequencies. On the other hand, the apex, which is wider and more flexible, vibrates maximally in response to low frequencies. Therefore, the correct answer is "high; low".

Exposure to loud or damaging sounds can cause physical damage to the auditory system, specifically the hair cells in the cochlea. These hair cells are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. When they are damaged or destroyed, it can result in hearing loss or other auditory problems. Scar tissue may also form in the damaged area, further affecting the functioning of the auditory system. Therefore, the manifestation of missing hair cells and scar tissue is a likely consequence of exposure to loud or damaging sounds.

The statement is true because amplitude, which refers to the loudness of a sound, is encoded by the number of action potentials generated by the auditory neurons in response to the sound stimulus. When a sound is louder, it causes a greater displacement of the hair cells in the inner ear, resulting in a higher firing rate of action potentials. Therefore, the brain can interpret the loudness of a sound based on the number of action potentials transmitted from the auditory neurons.

The ion in high concentration in the endolymph of the scala media is potassium (K+). This is because the endolymph is responsible for transmitting sound vibrations and potassium ions play a crucial role in the process of hearing. The high concentration of potassium in the endolymph helps to maintain the electrical potential necessary for the proper functioning of hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

The normal threshold for hearing is 15-20 dB. This means that for a person with normal hearing, they can detect sounds as low as 15-20 decibels. Anything below this threshold would be too quiet for them to hear.

Total Amp= 22x due to:

1. decrease in SA from tymp. memb. to oval window (55mm2---> 3.2 mm2) = 17x
2. lever action of ossicles 1.34 x

The contraction reflex of ossicular muscles is responsible for protecting the ear from loud, low frequency sounds. These muscles, including the tensor tympani and stapedius muscles, contract in response to loud sounds, which reduces the transmission of sound vibrations to the inner ear. This reflex helps to prevent damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear and ultimately protects our hearing.

Spiral Ganglion -->Cochlear Nuclei in Thalamus ---> inferior colliculus ---> medial geniculate in thalamus ---> auditory cortex

Inner hair cells synapse on multiple endings (they are more important than outer hair cells)

The cochlear nuclei, which are responsible for processing auditory information, send signals bilaterally to the inferior colliculus. This connection is established through the lateral lemniscus, a pathway that carries auditory information from the cochlear nuclei to the inferior colliculus on both sides of the brain. The lateral lemniscus plays a crucial role in the transmission of auditory signals and is an important pathway in the auditory system.

superior olive sends inhibitory feedback to reduce the intensity of stimulation that the superior olive receives; this helps to prevent over-stimulation

The total stimulus energy range that humans hear is 12 Log Units. This means that the range of sound intensities that humans can perceive spans 12 logarithmic units, indicating a wide range of audible sounds from the softest to the loudest.

The correct answer is the inferior colliculus. The inferior colliculus is a structure in the midbrain that plays a crucial role in auditory processing. It receives information from the ears and helps to localize sounds in space. When a loud sound is heard, the inferior colliculus sends signals to the muscles that control eye and head movements, causing them to reflexively turn towards the sound source. This reflex allows for quick orientation towards potential threats or important stimuli in the environment.

All of the above options contribute to our ability to differentiate louder sounds. The amount of depolarization of a cell at the peak moment is a factor in perceiving loudness. The recruitment of cells at the ends of the basilar membrane also plays a role in distinguishing louder sounds. Additionally, certain cells specifically respond to loud sounds. Therefore, all of these factors combined allow us to differentiate louder sounds.

This makes it easy to depolarize

Ossicular Refles: superior olive sends info via facial nerve to the muscles surrounding the inner ear; this prevents damage from occurring in the hair cells