High frequency sound waves vibrate the basilar membrane

Options

A. Near the helicoterma
B. Near the oval window
C. In the middle of cochlea
D. Towards tip of cochlea

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Sound Waves**: High-frequency sound waves are sound waves that have a high pitch. They are capable of causing vibrations in the structures of the ear.

2. **Pathway of Sound Waves**: When sound waves enter the external ear, they travel through the ear canal and reach the eardrum (tympanic membrane).

3. **Eardrum Vibration**: The eardrum vibrates in response to these sound waves. This vibration is crucial as it converts sound waves into mechanical vibrations.

4. **Transmission to the Oval Window**: The vibrations from the eardrum are transmitted to the three tiny bones in the middle ear known as the ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes). The stapes connects to the oval window, a membrane-covered opening to the inner ear.

5. **Fluid Movement in Cochlea**: When the stapes vibrates against the oval window, it creates waves in the fluid of the cochlea (the inner ear).

6. **Vibration of the Basilar Membrane**: These fluid waves cause the basilar membrane within the cochlea to vibrate. The location of the vibration on the basilar membrane depends on the frequency of the sound wave.

7. **High-Frequency Sound Waves**: High-frequency sound waves specifically cause vibrations near the base of the basilar membrane. This is because the base is more responsive to high frequencies, while lower frequencies affect the apex of the membrane.

8. **Conclusion**: Therefore, high-frequency sound waves vibrate the basilar membrane near the base.

### Final Answer:
High-frequency sound waves vibrate the basilar membrane near the base.

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