Sound Waves Sound is created when objects vibrate. This vibration causes molecules in the surrounding medium to vibrate as well. This, in turn, causes pressure changes in the medium. Pressure Fluctuations Pattern stays the same Pressure decreases
Quantifying Sound Amplitude Intensity Frequency Hertz (Hz)
Most Sound is a Mix of Waves Time (msec)
Spectral Analysis
Differences in Animal Hearing
Differences in Mammalian Hearing
The Range of Human Hearing
Loudness Variations
Outer Ear Variations
Human Ear Divisions
Human Ear Anatomy
Middle Ear Bones Malleus Incus Stapes
Inner Ear - Cochlea
Cochlea Cross Section
Cochlear Partition Organ of Corti
Hair Cells
Hair Cell Neurochemistry Inner Hair Cells: afferent: Glu efferent: ACh Outer Hair Cells: afferent: ACh efferent: GABA
Sound, Vibration, and Transduction
Stereocilia Electronmicrograph of stereocilia tip links (Hudspeth, 1992)
Tip Link Neurochemistry Tip Link Movement: Opens non-selective ion channels K + and Ca ++ enter cell causing depolarization Causing voltage-gated Ca ++ channels to open at cells base Ca ++ triggers the release of neurotransmitter that stimulates afferent fiber
Cochlea Specific movement of the basilar membrane stimulates specific cells
Auditory Pathway Auditory Cortex Medial Geniculate Nucleus (MGN) Inferior Colliculus Superior Olivary Nucleus Cochlear Nucleus Auditory Nerve