From Our Neurons to Yours
How we understand each other | Laura Gwilliams
Oct 19, 2023
Neuro-linguist Laura Gwilliams discusses how the brain processes speech sounds into meaning, from eardrum vibrations to the auditory cortex. She explores higher-level language representations, interruptions in conversations, and effortless language processing. Join the conversation to unravel the mysteries of speech comprehension and gain insight into the brain's language capabilities.
22:06
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Quick takeaways
- Sound is converted into electrical signals by the cochlea in the ear for interpretation by the brain.
- The brain's language processing involves coordination between sensory input and internal expectations for dynamic speech comprehension.
Deep dives
Processing of Sound in the Ear and Journey to the Brain
Sound is initially captured as air pressure fluctuations that are then amplified by tiny bones in the ear. These vibrations reach the cochlea, a structure with hair cells that vibrate to different frequencies. The hair cells at the base vibrate to high pitches, while those at the tip vibrate to low frequencies. This splitting enables the brain to interpret various channels of sound, eventually transforming them into electrical signals that travel to the brain.
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