Abstract
I THINK it is evident that Prof. H. E. Roaf (NATURE, April 14, p. 498) and I approach the problem of the action of the cochlea from different aspects. He says: “A variation in pressure applied to the fenestra ovalis, if it is to cause a movement of the basilar membrane, must cause movement of the liquids in the cochlea”. Most writers on the cochlea have started with this assumption, which is fundamental for the theories of Wrightson, Lehmann, Meyer, ter Kuile, and Hurst. But it is not possible to explain in this manner the fact that sounds can be conducted through the bones of the skull, and analysed in the cochlea in the same way as air-borne sounds. The bone-conducted sounds must be conveyed through the cochlea fluids to the basilar membrane as waves of condensation and rarefaction in the fluid. The impulses thus given to the basilar membrane must set swinging the sector of the basilar membrane in tune with their frequency. It is impossible for the sector to move without setting in movement the fluid columns between the sector and the round and oval windows which constitute its “load”. Thus, the movement of the cochlea fluid originates at the basilar membrane. This phenomenon of bone conduction is illustrated quite clearly in my model, which gives localised responses at the same levels whether the tuning-fork is applied to the stapes or to the front or back of the brass case.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
WILKINSON, G. Mechanism of the Cochlea. Nature 111, 636 (1923). https://doi.org/10.1038/111636c0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/111636c0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.