Cochlea's Basilar Membrane

Definition

The cochlea's basilar membrane is a thin, flexible strip of tissue within the inner ear that vibrates in response to different sound frequencies.

Related terms

Hair Cells: Specialized sensory cells located on the basilar membrane that convert sound waves into electrical signals.

Frequency Theory:

A theory stating that pitch is determined by the frequency at which hair cells in the cochlea fire neural impulses.

Place Theory:

A theory stating that pitch is determined by the specific location along the basilar membrane where hair cells are stimulated.