NEUR3112 Study Guide - Final Guide: Microsecond, Sound, Myelin
Document Summary
The difference between the sound perceived by each ear. Near ear heads the sound fractionally before the far ear -> timing difference. Sound in near ear is larger in volume -> volume difference. Not just a smaller version in the far ear, the waves are different. Speed of sound in air = ~340 m/s distance from one ear round to other ear = ~ 20 cm. Maximum time difference for sound to reach different ears = ~ 0. 6 ms (less for sound closer to the middle. 10 degrees from centre = ~ 40 s) Neurons must be able to detect remarkably small timing difference (maybe as low as 10. Speed of ap up to 100 m/s 0. 6 ms difference = 60 mm path length! For a slower axon (thinner, no myelin) 0. 5 - 5 m/s 10 s time difference = 5 . 50 m distance i. e. in the right range for detection limit.
