The place theory of pitch perception proposes that pitch is determined by the specific location on the basilar membrane that is most stimulated by a sound wave. According to this theory, different frequencies activate different areas of the membrane. Specifically, the base of the basilar membrane is most sensitive to high-frequency sounds, while the tip responds best to low-frequency sounds. Consequently, the hair cells located in these distinct regions function as specialized pitch receptors: those at the base are considered high-pitch receptors, and those at the tip are considered low-pitch receptors.