What limitation exists in the neurochronaxic theory regarding high-frequency vibrations?

The neurochronaxic theory posits that the timing of neural impulses to the vocal folds dictates the frequency of sound produced, thereby linking the firing rate of nerve impulses to the perceived pitch. One significant limitation of this theory is its inability to explain how high-frequency vibrations can occur despite the fact that nerve impulses can only fire at a certain speed. As frequency increases, the required rate of nerve impulses also increases, and there are physiological constraints on how rapidly nerves can send signals.

Thus, while the theory suggests a direct relationship between nerve impulse rates and sound frequency, it falls short in accounting for the production of rapid vibrations needed for higher pitches. This limitation indicates that there are additional factors and mechanisms involved in the production of high-frequency sounds, which the neurochronaxic theory fails to fully address. Understanding this limitation is crucial for recognizing the complexities of vocal fold function and sound production in the context of speech and language.