# Basilar Membrane Traveling Wave

Interactive visualization of cochlear traveling waves: explore frequency-position mapping on the basilar membrane, tonotopic organization, and the active amplification mechanism

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/visualizations/basilar-membrane-wave

- **Category:** Biology

## Overview

Interactive visualization of cochlear traveling waves demonstrating von Békésy's Nobel Prize discovery. Three panels: (1) Main traveling wave animation showing real-time basilar membrane displacement with individual frequency components (cyan, magenta, amber) and combined waveform, resonant peak markers with frequency labels, base-to-apex anatomy labels, and stiffness gradient indicator. (2) Envelope & Tonotopic Map showing amplitude envelopes for each component with asymmetric Gammatone filter shape (slow rise from base, sharp cutoff toward apex). (3) Frequency-Position Map displaying the Greenwood function CF(x) = 16500·(1 − 0.88·x) − 150 Hz on logarithmic frequency scale with component markers and projection lines. Adjustable parameters: fundamental frequency (100-8000 Hz), harmonic 2 and 3 frequencies with amplitudes, Q factor (1-20, simulating cochlear active gain from outer hair cells), animation speed. Six presets: Pure Tone (single 440 Hz), Vowel /a/ (formants at 500, 1500, 2500 Hz), Major Chord (C-E-G), Wideband (multi-frequency), High Q (healthy cochlea, sharp tuning), Low Q (damaged OHC, broad overlapping patterns). Mathematical model: traveling wave y(x,t) = A(x)·sin(2πf·t − k(x)·x) with position-dependent wave number causing wavelength compression, Greenwood tonotopic mapping, and Q-controlled bandwidth. Real-time statistics: peak position (mm), bandwidth (Hz), gain (dB), active component count. Educational content covers von Békésy's discovery (1961 Nobel Prize), mathematical model (Greenwood function, Gammatone filter, traveling wave physics), cochlear active amplification mechanism (OHC electromotility, 40-60 dB sensitivity boost, otoacoustic emissions), hearing loss mechanisms, and interactive guide. Multi-language support (zh, en, es, fr, de, ru, pt, ja).

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