Hearing Mechanisms and Cochlea Function

The video tutorial explains the anatomy and function of the ear, focusing on the organ of Corti, which includes the torial membrane and hair cells. It describes how mechanical energy from sound waves is converted into electrochemical signals that the brain interprets as sound. The tutorial also covers how humans hear different frequencies, ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, through the cochlea's structure. The cochlea's snail-like shape and fluid-filled chambers allow sound waves to travel and activate hair cells at different points, enabling the detection of various pitches. The distribution and sensitivity of hair cells play a crucial role in this process.

What are the two main components of the organ of Corti?

• Tectorial membrane and hair cells

• Basilar membrane and optic nerve

• Oval window and round window

• Cochlear duct and vestibular duct

How is mechanical energy transformed in the ear?

• Through the optic nerve

• By the movement of the basilar membrane

• Through the cochlear fluid

• Via the activation of hair cells

What frequency range can humans typically hear?

• 100 Hz to 25,000 Hz

• 10 Hz to 10,000 Hz

• 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz

• 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz

How does the cochlea's structure help in hearing different frequencies?

• It spirals like a snail, allowing sound waves to travel varying distances

• It has multiple tubes for different frequencies

• It is a straight tube with uniform hair cells

• It has separate chambers for high and low frequencies

Where are high-frequency sounds detected in the cochlea?

• At the apex of the cochlea

• Near the oval window

• In the middle of the cochlea

• At the base of the cochlea

What is the role of the oval window in hearing?

• It initiates pressure changes in the cochlea

• It amplifies low-frequency sounds

• It reflects sound waves

• It absorbs sound waves

What happens to low-frequency sound waves in the cochlea?

• They travel further into the cochlea

• They are reflected back out of the ear

• They are absorbed by the cochlear fluid

• They stop at the beginning of the cochlea

How does the distribution of hair cells affect sound detection?

• Uniform hair cell distribution detects all frequencies equally

• More sensitive hair cells at the back detect low frequencies

• More hair cells at the front detect low frequencies

• Hair cells at the base detect all frequencies

Why do low-frequency sounds travel further in the cochlea?

• They are not affected by the cochlear structure

• They are less absorbed by the cochlear fluid

• They have longer wavelengths

• They have more energy

What determines the pitch of a sound we hear?

• The volume of sound waves

• The temperature of the cochlear fluid

• The distance sound waves travel in the cochlea

• The speed of sound waves