The auditory system is responsible for converting sound waves in the environment into electrical signals that the brain can receive and utilize as useful information about the sound characteristics of the external environment. Test your basic knowledge of auditory physiology by taking this simple quiz.
(1) The cochlea is a hollow, spiral shaped part of the mastoid bone within the temporal bone of the skull. Cochlea is singular, while __________ is plural.
(2) Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) are sounds that arise from the __________, and can be recorded by placing a small microphone in the external auditory meatus (ear canal).
(3) The human brain perceives the intensity (i.e., loudness) of sound waves:
(4) The human brain perceives the frequency (i.e., pitch) of sound waves:
(5) In general, sensory fibers of the auditory nerve only innervate the inner hair cells and not the outer hair cells. However, the normal function of the outer hair cells, which happen to be approximately three times as numerous as the inner hair cells, is essential for normal hearing.
(6) Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) result from mechanical movements of these cells within the sensory epithelium of the organ of Corti.