auditory perception

the organization and interpretation of sensory information received through the ear. It is a complex process in which pressure changes in the air are funneled into the middle ear, where motion of the tympanic membrane and the tiny attached bones (ossicles) are transmitted to the inner ear and cause vibrations of membranous structures within the coiled, fluid-filled cochlea. Many specialized cells in the cochlea amplify and filter the movements through a variety of electromechanical mechanisms. Eventually, hair cells convert the mechanical motions to neural stimulation that is transmitted along the auditory pathway to the auditory cortex for processing.

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Psychology term of the day

November 27th 2024

cognitive impairment

any impairment in perceptual, learning, memory, linguistic, or thinking abilities. Multiple significant cognitive impairments in memory plus one or more other cognitive defects are characteristic of dementia. See also mild cognitive impairment.