What part of the ear is most sensitive to high-frequency sounds?

The base of the cochlea is the area of the ear that is most sensitive to high-frequency sounds. This sensitivity is due to the structure of the cochlea, which is a spiral-shaped organ containing hair cells responsible for translating sound vibrations into neural signals. In this spiral structure, high-frequency sounds are detected at the base, while lower frequencies are sensed at the apex. This arrangement allows the ear to effectively differentiate between sounds of varying frequencies.

The base of the cochlea is where the basilar membrane is narrower and stiffer, which makes it particularly responsive to high-frequency vibrations. As sound waves travel through the cochlea, they cause the basilar membrane to vibrate, and those high-frequency vibrations stimulate the hair cells located at the base. This anatomical feature ensures that the auditory system can efficiently process and perceive the full range of frequencies in sound.