BMS1052 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Cortical Column, Resting Potential, Medial Geniculate Nucleus
Document Summary
The physics of sound sound is a pressure wave, comprising successive cycles of rarefactions and compressions of air molecules. Humans can hear frequencies from 20 - 20khz. Pinna = sound funnel and filter ( helps in sound localisation) Ossicles = middle ear bones ( smallest bones in the body, associated with the smallest muscle) Cochlea = fluid - filled structure containing receptor neurons ( hair cells etc. ) The outer ear : funnels sound towards the tympanic membrane ( ie the eardrum) and also filters sound depending on orientation. Sound waves through the ear pinna => vibration of eardrums => ossicle movement => oval window vibration => movement of cochlear fluid and basilar membrane => leading to neuronal response in hair cells within the cochlea. The middle ear -> the mechanical amplification of sound pressure the middle ear ensures efficient transfer of sound energy from air ( outer air) to fluid ( in the inner ear)