According to the frequency theory

A) most sound waves are a complex mixture of many frequencies.
B) high-frequency sounds trigger a wave of activity that peaks near the beginning of the basilar membrane.
C) the rate at which impulses travel up the auditory nerve matches the frequency of the tone being heard.
D) frequent or prolonged stimulation of a sensory receptor causes that receptor to become less sensitive.

Frequency Theory

A theory in hearing that suggests the perception of pitch is related to the rate at which the entire basilar membrane vibrates, indicating that the frequency of the sound wave is mimicked by the firing rate of the auditory nerve.

Basilar Membrane

A structure in the cochlea of the inner ear that plays a critical role in sound perception, vibrating in response to sound and contributing to the separation of different frequencies for auditory processing.

Auditory Nerve

The cranial nerve that transmits sound information from the inner ear to the brain.