Auditory-Nerve Temporal Coding of Tones

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What is sound characterized by?

Net movement of air molecules

Variation in air temperature

Changes in air density over time

Propagation of energy from the source (correct)

How is amplitude usually expressed?

In meters per second

In decibels per Hz

On a linear scale

On a logarithmic scale (correct)

What fully specifies a sine wave?

Frequency, amplitude, and time

Amplitude and phase only

Frequency, amplitude, and phase (correct)

Frequency and amplitude only

What type of harmonics are present in the frequency spectrum of a square wave with a 200-Hz fundamental frequency?

Only odd harmonics Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental organizing principle at each stage of auditory processing?

Tonotopy Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fibers bifurcate to synapse on the anterior ventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN)?

Type I fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is preserved at high sound levels, especially for 'off-frequency' fibers?

Synchrony to amplitude modulation Signup and view all the answers

The spiral structure of the auditory nerve is tonotopically organized. What does tonotopy refer to in this context?

Organization by frequency mapping Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of outer hair cells in the cochlea?

Amplify organ of Corti vibrations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the apex and base of the cochlea?

Apex is narrower and more stiff, while the base is wider and less stiff Signup and view all the answers

What dominates at high frequencies in hair cell receptor potentials?

DC component Signup and view all the answers

How many auditory-nerve fibers typically innervate a single inner hair cell?

~10 Signup and view all the answers

What does the cochlear amplifier achieve at low sound pressure levels?

Increases frequency selectivity and sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the cochlea experiences cochlear compression?

Outer hair cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Medial Superior Olive (MSO) in auditory processing?

Detecting sound location based on interaural time difference Signup and view all the answers

What does the Medial Superior Olive (MSO) do when it receives signals from both ears?

It integrates signals and fires action potentials Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic helps MSO neurons in detecting sound location?

Interaural Time Difference (ITD) Signup and view all the answers

Why does a lower response occur when action potentials are out of sync in the MSO?

Failure of binaural coincidence detection Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of interaural time difference (ITD) in auditory processing?

Providing a cue for sound location Signup and view all the answers

What do recordings in the MSO show preference for?

Phase at each frequency Signup and view all the answers