Quantitative Reappraisal of the Helmholtz-Guyton Resonance Theory of Frequency Tuning in the Cochlea

Figure 1

A first-principles model of an oscillating double fluid column in the cochlea. Oscillatory motion (greatly exaggerated) of a curved fluid column is shown by double arrows and by slight bulging of the resonant segment of basilar membrane. The restoring force of the basilar membrane working against the mass of fluid causes resonant behavior at a critical frequency.