Computer-generator color animations of acoustic transduction in the auditory periphery

A series of computer-generated two-dimensional color animations depicting basic concepts of acoustic transduction in the middle and inner ears for a medical school course on hearing mechanisms are presented. Topics and concepts covered in the animations include motion of the tympanic membrane and ossicular chain, the traveling-wave pattern of basilar membrane motion, cochlear micromechanics, inner hair cell depolarization, tonotopic organization and the place principle of frequency coding and temporal coding of frequency. A SuperCard application controls the animations and provides access to additional material pertaining to the auditory periphery, such as illustrations, photographs, text and interactive quizzes. These materials are packaged in two versions, one for classroom presentation, the other for use as a study aid