place theory of hearing

The "place theory" of hearing explains how the ear distinguishes different pitches. It proposes that different frequencies of sound waves activate specific locations along the basilar membrane within the cochlea. High-frequency sounds stimulate the base of the membrane, while low-frequency sounds stimulate the apex. The brain interprets the pitch of a sound based on which part of the basilar membrane is vibrating most intensely, thereby activating a specific group of nerve fibers. This theory, related to earlier resonance theories, is supported by experimental evidence showing that distinct regions of the basilar membrane and the organ of Corti respond to specific sound frequencies. Loudness is also determined by the amplitude of these vibrations, influencing the number of hair cells stimulated and the rate of nerve impulses sent to the brain.12