PSYB65H3 Chapter 8: Hearing and Language Processing
Document Summary
The properties of sound: frequency: rate of vibration, or number of wave cycles per unit time (hz) Human range: 20-20 000hz max sensitivity 1000-4000. The ear: capable of detecting and amplifying subtle vibrations and transforming them into neural signals, parts. Pinna: outermost visible portion of the ear. External ear canal: amplifies vibrations and channels them on. Tympanic membrane/eardrum: vibrates and passes vibration along ossicles. Ossicles: malleus, incus and stapes; each successive bone amplifies the vibration and transmits vibration. Oval window: has a membrane over it that transmits vibrations into the cochlea through the cochlear fluid. Cochlea: shell; has inner (receptors) and outer (modulate) hair cells; more outer than inner but inner serve as receptors. Cochlear fluid: vibrations of the fluid cause a bending of both basilar membrane and tectorial membrane. Basilar membrane and tectorial membrane: bending of it elicits neural activity in hair cells. Hair cells: are receptor cells of the auditory system.
