The human auditory analyzer is the second most important analyzer involved in ensuring its cognitive activity and adaptive reactions. His special role is associated with articulate speech. The perception of sounds is considered the basis of articulate speech. With loss of hearing in early childhood, speech ability also disappears. At the same time, the integrity of the articulation apparatus is maintained.
The auditory analyzer is annoyed when playing sounds.
Its peripheral (receptor) department converts the energy of sound waves into the energy of excitation of nerves. This section is presented in the form of receptor hair cells of the organ of Corti, which are located in the cochlea.
Phonoreceptors belong to mechanical receptors and, being secondary, are presented in the form of external and internal hair cells. A person has about 20,000 external and 3,500 internal hair cells. Internal cells are located on the main membrane in the middle channel of the inner ear.
The auditory analyzer has a central section, represented by the auditory zone of the cortex. Excitation is transmitted to this area through the nerve. The auditory area is represented as an exact projection of the cochlea phonoreceptors. The receptors lying at its base are capable of perceiving high sounds. These receptors correspond to a special section of the auditory zone of the cortex. Receptors in the upper parts of the cochlea, irritated by the reproduction of low sounds, correspond to another site. Between these areas are located strips of nerve cells. Each band is capable of perceiving an octave of intermediate tones.
The main membrane is located in the inner part of the cochlear canal. It includes twenty-four thousand elastic fibers, on which the hearing receptors are located. Their number is equal to the number of fibers in the main membrane. The tops of these cells are provided with hairs. An eardrum hangs over them. This membrane is able to touch the hair cells. Nerve endings fit phonoreceptors.
The perception of sound vibrations is carried out using the auricle. The vibrations pass through the outer passage and, reaching the eardrum, make it move. In order to maintain the pressure inside the middle ear the same as atmospheric pressure, there is an Eustachian tube.
This, in turn, eliminates distortion of sounds by the eardrum. The movement of the eardrum is transmitted to the membrane in the vestibule window and the auditory ossicles. The movements of the membrane of the vestibule window provoke oscillations of the fluid in the cochlea, which, in turn, provokes the occurrence of vibrations of the fibers of the main membrane.
When perceiving various sounds, oscillation occurs in certain groups of fibers. During their movements, the integumentary membrane and hair cells come into contact.
This structure of the auditory analyzer makes it possible to analyze sound stimuli by the strength, height and nature of the sound.
Sound perception plays an important role in the process of orientation in a particular environment or space surrounding a person.
The auditory analyzer allows you to distinguish between a huge number of phrases and words. Thus, communication with other people occurs. In addition, a person is able to distinguish sound or noise at a considerable distance. So the auditory analyzer, perceiving the noise of the train, for example, makes you move away from the edge of the platform. In another case, having perceived the sound of steps that arose behind the back, a person is alarmed and turns around.
Music perceived with the help of hearing organs helps dancers to master the rhythm and pace of movements. In this case, the auditory and motor analyzers interact.