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Did you know that the middle ear contains the smallest bones in your entire body, with the stapes being the tiniest? These three little bones help transmit sounds to the inner ear. Test how deep your knowledge is on hearing by taking this exciting quiz. All the best as you learn more!
Questions and Answers
1.
An adequate and an inadequate stimulus, such as light versus pressure on the eyeball, will produce similar experiences because
A.
They both activate visual receptors and the visual cortex
B.
The receptors for touch and vision are similar
C.
Touch and vison receoptors lie side by side in the eye
D.
Our ability to discriminate is poor
Correct Answer
A. They both activate visual receptors and the visual cortex
Explanation An adequate and an inadequate stimulus, such as light versus pressure on the eyeball, will produce similar experiences because they both activate visual receptors and the visual cortex. This means that even though the stimuli may be different, they still result in the same neural response in the visual system, leading to similar experiences. The receptors for touch and vision being similar or lying side by side in the eye, as well as our ability to discriminate being poor, are not relevant to explaining why the experiences are similar.
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2.
Frequency is to pitch as
A.
Loudness is to intensity
B.
Intensity is to loudness
C.
Stimulus is to response
D.
Response is to stimulus
Correct Answer
B. Intensity is to loudness
Explanation Frequency is a measure of the number of cycles of a sound wave that occur in a second, and pitch refers to how high or low a sound is perceived. Similarly, loudness is a measure of the intensity or strength of a sound, and intensity refers to the objective measure of the sound's power. Therefore, the relationship between frequency and pitch is analogous to the relationship between loudness and intensity.
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3.
The sequence of sound travel in the inner ear is
A.
Oval window, ossicles, basilar membrane, eardrum
B.
Eardrum, ossicles, oval window, basilar membrane
C.
Eardrum, ossicles, basilar membrane, oval window
D.
Ossicles, oval window, basilar membrane, eardrum
Correct Answer
B. Eardrum, ossicles, oval window, basilar membrane
Explanation The correct answer is eardrum, ossicles, oval window, basilar membrane. This sequence accurately represents the path of sound travel in the inner ear. Sound waves enter the ear and cause the eardrum to vibrate. The vibrations are then transmitted through the ossicles (small bones in the middle ear) to the oval window. The oval window is a membrane that separates the middle ear from the inner ear. Finally, the vibrations pass through the oval window and reach the basilar membrane, which is located in the cochlea of the inner ear.
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4.
Place analysis depends most on the physical characteristics of the
A.
Hair cells
B.
Basilar membrane
C.
Tectorial membrane
D.
Cochlear canal
Correct Answer
B. Basilar membrane
Explanation Place analysis refers to the process by which the auditory system determines the location of a sound source based on the specific frequency information received by different parts of the cochlea. The basilar membrane is a key structure within the cochlea that plays a crucial role in this process. It is responsible for separating and analyzing different frequencies of sound, with different regions of the basilar membrane responding to different frequencies. Therefore, the physical characteristics of the basilar membrane are most important in determining the location of a sound source in place analysis.
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5.
The fact that neurons are limited int heir rate of firing by the refractory period is most damaging to which theory?
A.
Telephone
B.
Volley
C.
Place
D.
Volley-place
Correct Answer
A. TelepHone
Explanation The fact that neurons are limited in their rate of firing by the refractory period is most damaging to the telephone theory. The telephone theory suggests that each individual neuron is responsible for transmitting a specific frequency or pitch of sound. However, the refractory period limits the rate at which neurons can fire, making it difficult for each neuron to transmit a specific frequency consistently. This challenges the idea that individual neurons are solely responsible for transmitting specific frequencies, undermining the telephone theory.
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6.
The place theory's greatest problem is that
A.
Neurons cannot fire as frequently as the highest frequency sounds
B.
Neurons specific for frequencies above 5000 hz have not been found
C.
The whole basilar membrane vibrates about equally at low frequencies
D.
Volleying does not follow sound frequency above 5000 hz
Correct Answer
C. The whole basilar membrane vibrates about equally at low frequencies
Explanation The place theory suggests that different frequencies of sound are processed in different locations along the basilar membrane in the inner ear. However, this theory faces a problem when it comes to low frequencies because the entire basilar membrane vibrates about equally at these frequencies, making it difficult for the brain to determine the specific location of the sound. This is why the whole basilar membrane vibrating equally at low frequencies is the greatest problem for the place theory.
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7.
An auditory neuron's tuning curve tells you
A.
Which frequency it responds to
B.
Which part of the basilar membran e the neuron comes from
C.
At what rate the neuron can fine
D.
How much the neuron responds to different frequencies
Correct Answer
D. How much the neuron responds to different frequencies
Explanation The tuning curve of an auditory neuron provides information about how much the neuron responds to different frequencies. This means that the curve shows the neuron's sensitivity or responsiveness to different sound frequencies. The curve will typically have a peak or peaks that indicate the frequencies to which the neuron responds most strongly, and the height of the curve at different frequencies represents the magnitude of the neuron's response to those frequencies. Therefore, the tuning curve helps in understanding the neuron's selectivity and sensitivity to different frequencies of sound.
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8.
A cochlear implant works because
A.
The tympanic membrane is intact
B.
The hair cells are intact
C.
It stimulates the auditory cortex directly
D.
It stimulates the auditory neurons
Correct Answer
D. It stimulates the auditory neurons
Explanation A cochlear implant works by stimulating the auditory neurons. This is because the implant bypasses the damaged or non-functioning hair cells in the cochlea and directly stimulates the auditory neurons. By doing so, it allows individuals with hearing loss to perceive sound and helps them regain their ability to hear.
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9.
An auditory object is
A.
A vibrating object in the environment
B.
A sound recognized as distinct from others
C.
The sounds source of individual is paying attention to
D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. A sound recognized as distinct from others
Explanation An auditory object refers to a sound that is recognized as distinct from other sounds. It implies that amidst various sounds in the environment, an individual is able to identify and differentiate a particular sound as separate and unique. This suggests that auditory objects are perceived and categorized based on their distinct characteristics, allowing individuals to distinguish them from other sounds in their surroundings.
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10.
As a binaural sound location cue, difference in intensity works
A.
Poorly at low frequencies
B.
Poorly at medium frequencies
C.
Poorly at high frequencies
D.
About equally at all frequencies
Correct Answer
A. Poorly at low frequencies
Explanation At low frequencies, the wavelength is longer and the sound wave wraps around the head, making it difficult for the brain to detect the difference in intensity between the two ears. This is why the difference in intensity works poorly at low frequencies as a binaural sound location cue.
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11.
On returning home from the hospital an elderly neighbor drags one foot when he walks and uses almost exclusively nouns and verbs in his brief sentences. You guess that he has had a mild stroke located in his
A.
Left temporal lobe
B.
Right temporal lobe
C.
Left frontal lobe
D.
Right frontal lobe
Correct Answer
C. Left frontal lobe
Explanation Based on the given information, the elderly neighbor drags one foot when he walks and uses mainly nouns and verbs in his sentences. These symptoms suggest a possible brain injury or impairment. The left frontal lobe is responsible for controlling movement on the right side of the body, and it also plays a role in language production. Therefore, a mild stroke in the left frontal lobe could explain the neighbor's difficulty in walking and his limited use of words.
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12.
Mirror neurons' role in language development is supposedly in
A.
The repetition of word sounds
B.
Gestural aspects
C.
Development of grammar
D.
The use of prosody
Correct Answer
B. Gestural aspects
Explanation Mirror neurons are specialized cells in the brain that fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else performing the same action. These neurons are believed to play a crucial role in language development by allowing individuals to imitate and understand the gestures and movements associated with language. This includes not only the repetition of word sounds but also the observation and imitation of gestural aspects such as facial expressions, hand movements, and body language. Therefore, mirror neurons' role in language development is primarily in the processing and imitation of gestural aspects of communication.
is definded as the acquisition of sensory information
A.
Perception
B.
Sensation
C.
Conversion
D.
Translation
Correct Answer
B. Sensation
Explanation Sensation is the correct answer because it refers to the process of acquiring sensory information through the senses. Perception, on the other hand, involves the interpretation and understanding of the sensory information. Conversion and translation do not accurately describe the process of acquiring sensory information.
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18.
The range of human hearing is about
A.
20-200,000 Hz
B.
2-20,000 Hz
C.
20-20,000Hz
D.
200-2,000Hz
Correct Answer
C. 20-20,000Hz
Explanation The range of human hearing is commonly accepted to be from 20 to 20,000 Hz. This means that the average person can hear sounds that have frequencies as low as 20 Hz and as high as 20,000 Hz. Frequencies below 20 Hz are considered infrasound and are typically felt rather than heard, while frequencies above 20,000 Hz are considered ultrasound and are generally not audible to humans.
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19.
Sound may be conducted through
A.
Air
B.
Water
C.
Bone
D.
A and c
E.
A, b and c
Correct Answer
E. A, b and c
Explanation Sound can be conducted through air, water, and bone. This is because sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to travel through. In air, sound waves cause the air particles to vibrate, transmitting the sound. In water, sound waves can travel even faster and more efficiently due to its denser medium. Bone also conducts sound as it is a solid material that can transmit vibrations. Therefore, sound can be conducted through all three mediums mentioned in the answer options.
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20.
We experience the frequency of a sound as
A.
Pitch
B.
Loudness
C.
Amplitude
D.
Intensity
Correct Answer
A. Pitch
Explanation Pitch refers to the perceived frequency of a sound. It is the quality of sound that enables us to distinguish between high and low notes. The frequency of a sound wave determines its pitch, with higher frequencies corresponding to higher pitches and lower frequencies corresponding to lower pitches. Loudness, amplitude, and intensity, on the other hand, relate to the volume or strength of a sound, not its frequency. Therefore, the correct answer is pitch.
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21.
Humans are MOST sensitive to sounds with frequencies in the range of
A.
1000-3000 Hz
B.
200-400 HZ
C.
2000-4000Hz
D.
2000-20,000
Correct Answer
C. 2000-4000Hz
Explanation Humans are most sensitive to sounds with frequencies in the range of 2000-4000 Hz. This range corresponds to the frequencies at which the human ear is most sensitive and can perceive sounds with greater clarity and detail. Frequencies below this range may be perceived as low or deep sounds, while frequencies above this range may be perceived as high-pitched or shrill sounds. Therefore, the range of 2000-4000 Hz is the most sensitive range for human hearing.
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22.
Which of the following causes the eardrum to stretch or relax in response to difference levels of sound?
A.
Tensor tympani
B.
Incus
C.
Pinna
D.
Tympanic membrane
Correct Answer
A. Tensor tympani
Explanation The tensor tympani is a muscle in the middle ear that is responsible for stretching or relaxing the eardrum in response to different levels of sound. When the tensor tympani muscle contracts, it tightens the eardrum, reducing its ability to vibrate and dampening the sound. This reflexive action helps protect the delicate structures of the inner ear from loud sounds.
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23.
Which of the following does not contribute to amplification of sound waves in the ear?
A.
Outter ear
B.
Eardrum
C.
Stapes
D.
Malleus
Correct Answer
B. Eardrum
Explanation The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin, sensitive membrane located between the outer and middle ear. Its main function is to transmit sound vibrations from the outer ear to the middle ear. It vibrates in response to sound waves, which causes the tiny bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, and stapes) to amplify the sound and transmit it to the inner ear. Therefore, the eardrum plays a crucial role in the amplification of sound waves in the ear.
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24.
Which of the following structures is NOT part of the auditory system?
A.
Cochlea
B.
Ossicles
C.
Pinna
D.
Semicircular canals
Correct Answer
D. Semicircular canals
Explanation The semicircular canals are not part of the auditory system. They are part of the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. The cochlea, ossicles, and pinna are all structures that are involved in the auditory system. The cochlea is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The ossicles are a group of three small bones (malleus, incus, and stapes) located in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the cochlea. The pinna, also known as the outer ear, helps to collect and funnel sound waves into the ear canal.
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25.
Vibrations are initiated in the cochlea by movement of the against the oval window
A.
Stapes
B.
Malleus
C.
Incus
D.
Helicotrema
Correct Answer
A. Stapes
Explanation Vibrations are initiated in the cochlea by movement of the stapes against the oval window. The stapes is one of the three small bones in the middle ear, also known as the ossicles. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the eardrum to vibrate, which in turn causes the ossicles to move. The stapes, being the last bone in the chain, transfers these vibrations to the oval window, a membrane that separates the middle ear from the inner ear. The movement of the stapes against the oval window creates fluid motion within the cochlea, stimulating the hair cells and ultimately leading to the perception of sound.
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26.
Organ of Corti is located in the canal
A.
Vestibular
B.
Tympanic
C.
Cochlear
D.
Audiory
Correct Answer
C. Cochlear
Explanation The Organ of Corti is located in the cochlear canal. This is the part of the inner ear that is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The Organ of Corti contains specialized hair cells that are crucial for hearing. These hair cells detect the vibrations and convert them into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve.
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27.
Hair cells rest on top of the
A.
Helicotrema
B.
Tectorial membrane
C.
Basilar memebran
D.
Tympanic membrane
Correct Answer
C. Basilar memebran
Explanation Hair cells are sensory cells located in the cochlea of the inner ear, responsible for detecting sound vibrations. They rest on top of the basilar membrane, a thin and flexible membrane that runs the length of the cochlea. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the basilar membrane to vibrate, which in turn stimulates the hair cells and allows them to convert the mechanical energy of the sound waves into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The helicotrema is a small opening at the apex of the cochlea, while the tectorial membrane is a gel-like structure that overlies the hair cells. The tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, is located at the outer end of the ear canal and separates the outer ear from the middle ear.
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28.
When hair cells bend, channels open, causing depolarization
A.
Sodium
B.
Potassium
C.
Calcium
D.
Chloride
Correct Answer
B. Potassium
Explanation When hair cells bend, channels open, causing depolarization. The correct answer is potassium.
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29.
The primary auditory cortex is located on the lobe
A.
Temporal
B.
Frontal
C.
Parietal
D.
Occipital
Correct Answer
A. Temporal
Explanation The primary auditory cortex is located on the temporal lobe. This is the area of the brain responsible for processing auditory information, including sound perception and interpretation. The temporal lobe is located on the sides of the brain, near the temples. It plays a crucial role in hearing and is connected to other areas involved in language processing and memory.
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30.
Neurons from the left ear project
A.
Exclusively to the right hemisphere
B.
Exclusively to the left hemisphere
C.
Mostly to the right hemisphere
D.
Mostely to the left hemisphere
Correct Answer
C. Mostly to the right hemispHere
Explanation The given correct answer is "mostly to the right hemisphere". This suggests that the neurons from the left ear primarily connect and send signals to the right hemisphere of the brain. This indicates a lateralization of auditory processing, where the right hemisphere is more specialized in processing auditory information from the left ear.
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31.
At low frequencies sound intensity is coded by
A.
The number of receptors responding
B.
The volley pattern of receptors
C.
The point on the basilar memebrane responding
D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. The number of receptors responding
Explanation At low frequencies, sound intensity is coded by the number of receptors responding. This means that the more receptors in the ear that are activated by the sound waves, the higher the perceived intensity of the sound. This coding mechanism allows the brain to distinguish between different levels of sound intensity at low frequencies. The volley pattern of receptors and the point on the basilar membrane responding are not relevant for coding sound intensity at low frequencies.
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32.
The volley theory was proposed by
A.
Rutherford
B.
Helmholtz
C.
Bekesy
D.
Waver
Correct Answer
D. Waver
33.
The outer hair cells may be involved in
A.
Suppressing response to background noise
B.
Processing high but not low frequency sounds
C.
Processing sounds related to language but not music
D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
A. Suppressing response to background noise
Explanation The correct answer is "suppressing response to background noise." Outer hair cells in the ear are responsible for amplifying soft sounds and dampening loud sounds, which helps in improving the signal-to-noise ratio. This means that they play a crucial role in suppressing the response to background noise, allowing us to focus on the sounds we want to hear.
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34.
Broca's area lies anterior and adjacent to the
A.
Motor cortex
B.
Auditory cortex
C.
Somatosensory cortex
D.
Visual cortex
Correct Answer
A. Motor cortex
Explanation Broca's area is a region in the frontal lobe of the brain that is responsible for speech production and language comprehension. It is located in the left hemisphere of the brain, specifically in the posterior part of the frontal lobe, near the motor cortex. The motor cortex is involved in the planning and execution of voluntary movements, including the movements required for speech production. Therefore, Broca's area is positioned adjacent to and anterior to the motor cortex, making the answer "motor cortex" the correct choice.
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35.
In MOST people Wernicke's area is found on the lobe
A.
Left frontal
B.
Right frontal
C.
Left temporal
D.
Right temporal
Correct Answer
C. Left temporal
36.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Broca's aphasia?
A.
Impairment in writing
B.
Word salad
C.
Agrammatic speech
D.
Difficulty with articulation
Correct Answer
B. Word salad
Explanation Broca's aphasia is a type of expressive aphasia characterized by difficulty in producing language. Impairment in writing, agrammatic speech, and difficulty with articulation are all characteristics of Broca's aphasia. However, word salad, which refers to the production of incomprehensible and jumbled words and phrases, is not a characteristic of Broca's aphasia.
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37.
People with Wernick's Aphasia
A.
Have difficulty saying words
B.
Have difficulty understanding others
C.
Produce utterances that have no meaning
D.
A b c
E.
B and c
Correct Answer
E. B and c
Explanation People with Wernick's Aphasia have difficulty understanding others and produce utterances that have no meaning. This means that they struggle to comprehend what others are saying to them and also have difficulty expressing themselves in a meaningful way. They may produce sentences that lack coherence and make little sense. Therefore, the correct answer is b and c.
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38.
Someone with damage to the premotor cortex would most likely have difficulty
A.
Producing articulate speech
B.
Using verbs
C.
Using nouns
D.
Reading out loud
Correct Answer
B. Using verbs
Explanation Damage to the premotor cortex, a region of the brain involved in planning and executing movements, would most likely result in difficulty using verbs. Verbs are words that describe actions, and the premotor cortex plays a crucial role in coordinating and executing these actions. Therefore, damage to this area would likely impair the ability to properly use and produce verbs, leading to difficulties in expressing and understanding actions and their associated words.
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39.
There is evidence that the right hemisphere may assume left hemisphere language functions
A.
In adults who have suffered strokes or other brain injuries
B.
In adults who learn a second language
C.
In children under 5 who suffer brain injuries
D.
In children who acquire two languages simultaneously
Correct Answer
C. In children under 5 who suffer brain injuries
Explanation The correct answer is "in children under 5 who suffer brain injuries". This is because the statement suggests that there is evidence that the right hemisphere may assume left hemisphere language functions in children under 5 who suffer brain injuries. This implies that brain injuries in children under 5 can lead to a functional shift in language processing from the left hemisphere to the right hemisphere.
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40.
Mirror neurons
A.
Are found only in humans
B.
Are active only during language use
C.
Are found only in nonhuman animals
D.
Are active during observation and imitation.
Correct Answer
D. Are active during observation and imitation.
Explanation Mirror neurons are a type of neuron that are active during observation and imitation. They were first discovered in nonhuman animals, such as monkeys, but further research has shown that they are also present in humans. These neurons play a crucial role in understanding the actions and intentions of others by mirroring the observed actions in our own brains. This allows us to imitate and learn from others, leading to the development of language and social skills. Therefore, the statement that mirror neurons are active during observation and imitation is correct.
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