Which theory links pitch to the location along the basilar membrane that is stimulated?

Which theory links pitch to the location along the basilar membrane that is stimulated?

• A. Frequency Theory
• B. Harmonic Theory
• C. Place Theory
• D. Temporal Theory

Answer: (C)

Pitch is encoded by where along the basilar membrane the hair cells are most strongly activated. The membrane is stiff and narrow at the base, so high frequencies produce maximum vibration there, while it's wider and more flexible toward the apex, where low frequencies produce the strongest vibration. The hair cells at that specific location convert the vibration into neural signals that travel via the auditory nerve to the brain, and the brain interprets the pitch from that spatial pattern of activation. This is the essence of the place theory. (Note: temporal or frequency coding—where pitch is tied to the firing rate of neurons—also plays a role, especially for lower pitches, but place coding explains the link between pitch and location most directly.)

Pitch is encoded by where along the basilar membrane the hair cells are most strongly activated. The membrane is stiff and narrow at the base, so high frequencies produce maximum vibration there, while it's wider and more flexible toward the apex, where low frequencies produce the strongest vibration. The hair cells at that specific location convert the vibration into neural signals that travel via the auditory nerve to the brain, and the brain interprets the pitch from that spatial pattern of activation. This is the essence of the place theory. (Note: temporal or frequency coding—where pitch is tied to the firing rate of neurons—also plays a role, especially for lower pitches, but place coding explains the link between pitch and location most directly.)