Final answer:
The basilar membrane in the cochlea is responsible for frequency coding of sound. Different hair cells along the membrane respond to different frequencies, with the base responding to high frequencies and the tip responding to low frequencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basilar membrane in the cochlea plays a crucial role in frequency coding of sound. Different hair cells along the length of the basilar membrane are sensitive to different frequencies. The base of the basilar membrane responds best to high frequencies, while the tip of the basilar membrane responds best to low frequencies. This allows the cochlea to separate and encode auditory stimuli by frequency.