Audition

Definition

Audition is the sense or act of hearing, which involves the detection and interpretation of sound waves by the auditory system. It plays a crucial role in communication and environmental awareness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Auditory transduction occurs in the cochlea, where sound vibrations are converted into neural signals.
2. The primary auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, processes auditory information.
3. Hair cells within the organ of Corti play a pivotal role in detecting sound vibrations and transmitting these signals to the brain via the auditory nerve.
4. The frequency of sound waves determines pitch, while amplitude determines loudness.
5. The vestibular system works closely with audition to maintain balance and spatial orientation.

Review Questions

• What role do hair cells play in the process of audition?
• Where is the primary auditory cortex located, and what is its function?
• How does the vestibular system interact with audition to help maintain balance?

Related terms

Cochlea: A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear responsible for converting sound waves into neural signals.

Vestibular System: A sensory system that contributes to balance and spatial orientation.

Auditory Nerve: The nerve that carries neural signals from the cochlea to the brain.