PSYC 251 Chapter 7: Auditory and Vestibular Systems

Comprehensive question-and-answer study flashcards covering Chapter 7 of PSYC 251, including acoustic cues and wave mechanics, ear anatomy, cochlear frequency tuning, auditory localization, and the vestibular system and its reflexes.

How are auditory cues distinguished from auditory signals?

Cues are "unintentional" sounds, whereas signals are sounds that are produced "intentionally" with the goal of communicating something and influencing the behavior of the receiver.

How is the amplitude of an acoustic wave defined?

Amplitude (also called intensity or level) is a measure of how much the air pressure changes between compression and rarefaction.

What is the definition of a wavelength in an acoustic wave?

Wavelength is the length of a wave from one peak to the next.

In human perception, what do the wavelength and amplitude of light correspond to?

Light wavelength is associated with the perception of color, while light amplitude is associated with brightness or intensity of color, with larger amplitudes appearing brighter.

What psychological perceptions are associated with the frequency and amplitude of a sound wave?

The frequency of a sound wave is associated with the perception of pitch, while loudness is closely associated with amplitude.

What are the three anatomical parts of the outer ear and their respective functions?

1. Pinna: protrudes from our heads.
2. Auditory canal: connects the outer ear opening to the tympanic membrane.
3. Tympanic membrane: the eardrum, which creates vibrations to the middle ear through the ossicles.

What are the ossicles, and what are the three bones that comprise them?

The ossicles are the three smallest bones in the body that transmit vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear: the Malleus (Hammer), Incus (Anvil), and Stapes (Stirrup).

What are the three major components of the inner ear and their functions?

1. Semicircular canals: involved in balance and movement.
2. Cochlea: a fluid-filled, snail-shaped structure containing sensory receptor cells or hair cells.
3. Basilar membrane: a thin strip of tissue within the cochlea that protects hair cells.

How do different regions of the basilar membrane respond to sound frequencies?

The base of the basilar membrane responds best to high frequencies, whereas the tip of the basilar membrane responds best to low frequencies.

What two spatial dimensions does the brain use to process acoustic location?

Azimuth and Elevation.

What is endolymph?

The fluid in the membranous membrane of the vestibule of the ear.

What anatomical structures make up the human vestibular labyrinth?

The anterior, posterior, and lateral semicircular canals; 3 swellings at the base of the canals called ampullae; and 2 larger swellings called the utricle and saccule (otolith organs).

What are the otolith organs and what is their primary function?

The otolith organs are composed of the utricle and the saccule, and they are responsible for sensing linear movements and the direction of gravity.

Where are the cell bodies of the neurons that innervate vestibular hair cells located?

In the vestibular ganglion.

What is the primary function of the Vestibular Nuclei?

Generating reflexes in the eye muscles.

What are the distinct functions of the Vestibular Reflex and the Vestibulospinal Reflex?

The Vestibular Reflex stabilizes head position, while the Vestibulospinal Reflex generates limb and core muscle movements to maintain balance.