Quiz 3: Auditory System
 Be sure to not only answer the questions but rank them.  Ranking should be based on the questions ability to make you synthesis the material (this is a slight change from the previous criteria).  A ranking of 10 should be given to the best questions and a ranking of 1 to the least engaging. Do not rank the extra credit question.
 
 
  1. The following structures are involved in transmitting auditory information through the CNS.
    a. superior colliculus
    b. inferior colliculus
    c. nucleus of the trapazoid body
    d. lateral lemniscus
    e. cochlear nerve
    f. superior cochlear nucleus
    g. all of the above
    g. 3 of the above
    h. 4 of the above
    i. 5 of the above
    j. none  of the above
  2. (T/F) Cells used for transduction of a time varying pressure wave into an electrical signal are capable of producing an action potential.
  3. The responses of cells in the cochlea are fine tuned by virtue of..
    a. a feedback input to the cells
    b. their location along the basilar membrane
    c. a slowly activating mechanism that closes the mechanoreceptors in response to a constant stimuli
    d.all of the above
    e. 2 of the above 
    f. none of the above
  4. How are sound vibrations in the air changed to vibrations of the perilymph?
  5. Where is the basilar membrane displaced for high frequencies and low frequencies?
  6. In what nucleus do the axons that carry information from the cochlea to the CNS originate (name the nucleus or ganglion)?
  7. Cells of the posterior ventral cochlear nucleus have a chopper response to stimulation to sound.  What does this mean?
  8. Which cells are responsible for controling the state of the cells in the cochlea? Where are they located and what input do they recieve?
  9. Discuss what is meant by the phrase 'the auditory system maintains a tonotopic arrangement in the neocortex'?
  10. The  cells in the cochlea that are responsible for transduction have a particular structure.  Describe this structure and discuss how this structure makes this cell a good one for transducing pressure waves. Create any other structure that might serve the same purpose.
  • Extra credit
    1. Discuss a means of producing an auditory illusion?

      2.