What is the Basilar Membrane?
The Basilar Membrane is located inside the cochlea. It separates scala media and scala tympani; on this membrane rests the organ of Corti.
What is the role of the basilar membrane in the perception of sound?
The basilar membrane is a thin, ribbon-like structure that runs the length of the cochlea, the inner ear’s spiral-shaped chamber. It separates the scala media, a fluid-filled chamber, from the scala tympani, another fluid-filled chamber. The organ of Corti, which contains the sensory cells that convert sound waves into electrical signals, rests on the basilar membrane.
What is the role of the basilar membrane in the perception of sound?
The basilar membrane plays a critical role in the perception of sound. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the ossicles, three small bones in the middle ear. The ossicles amplify the vibrations and transmit them to the cochlea.
How does the basilar membrane allow us to differentiate sounds of different pitch?
The basilar membrane responds to different frequencies of sound by vibrating at different points along its length. High-frequency sounds cause the basilar membrane to vibrate near the base of the cochlea, while low-frequency sounds cause it to vibrate near the apex. The organ of Corti, which rests on the basilar membrane, is able to detect these vibrations and send corresponding electrical signals to the brain. The brain then interprets these signals as different pitches of sound.
The basilar membrane is also important for our ability to localize sound. When sound waves come from different directions, they reach the ear at different times. This difference in arrival time causes the basilar membrane to vibrate at different points along its length. The brain is able to use this information to determine the direction of the sound source.
What is the function of the basilar and tectorial membrane?
In addition to the basilar membrane, the cochlea also contains the tectorial membrane. The tectorial membrane is a thin, gel-like structure that lies above the basilar membrane. The tectorial membrane and the basilar membrane work together to amplify sound waves and transmit them to the organ of Corti.
The basilar membrane and the tectorial membrane are essential for our ability to hear. Without these structures, we would not be able to perceive sound or localize sound sources.