If an individual did not have any hair cells on their basilar membrane, what would be the expected effect on the processing of auditory stimuli?
A)
There would be no vibration of the basilar membrane, and no sound would be perceived.
B)
Sound would still be perceived, but it would be difficult to differentiate between sound frequencies.
C)
The brain would not be able to perceive sound, even though sound waves would still cause vibration of the basilar membrane.
D)
Sound would still be perceived, but without the amplification that is conducted by the hair cells.
Answer: C