auditory I-III Flashcards

1
Q

What is intensity of sound

A

Perceived loudness, measured by the pressure at the peak of compression. The more forcefully air is compressed, the more intense the sound. Measured as decibels of sound pressure level (dB SPL) on a logarithmic scale

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How are dB SPL measured/calculated

A

dB SPL = 20 x log [p1/ 20 x 10^-6 Newtons/m2], where p1 is the pressure (N/m2) of the tested sound

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

what is rarefaction

A

the opposite of compression- becoming less dense

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is frequency of sound

A

The number of times per second that a sound wave reaches the peak of rarefaction (or compression). Measured in Hertz (cycles/sec). Aka pitch.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How is the wavelength of sound calculated

A

wavelength= velocity/frequency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q
  1. What is auditory threshold, how is it measured in the audiogram?
A

Audiologists quantify hearing loss by determining for
each ear, and at different frequencies the smallest dB SPL that a subject can just detect (called the threshold). The threshold is represented on the audiogram (dB SPL vs frequency) as a curveAudiologists quantify hearing loss by determining for
each ear, and at different frequencies the smallest dB SPL that a subject can just detect (called the threshold). The threshold is represented on the audiogram (dB SPL vs frequency) as a curveAudiologists quantify hearing loss by determining for
each ear, and at different frequencies the smallest dB SPL that a subject can just detect (called the threshold). The threshold is represented on the audiogram (dB SPL vs frequency) as a curveAudiologists quantify hearing loss by determining for
each ear, and at different frequencies the smallest dB SPL that a subject can just detect (called the threshold). The threshold is represented on the audiogram (dB SPL vs frequency) as a curveAudiologists quantify hearing loss by determining for
each ear, and at different frequencies the smallest dB SPL that a subject can just detect (called the threshold). The threshold is represented on the audiogram (dB SPL vs frequency) as a curve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Most common cause of hearing loss and what type of sound is lost

A

age- we lose high frequency hearing (presbycusis) which is most problematic for perception of speech (b/c consanants such as t, p, s, f are distinguished by high frequency components)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Transmission of sound to the cochlea takes place through __________ means

A

mechanical

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

components of the external ear

A

composed of the pinna and external auditory meatus (ear canal) bounded by the tympanic membrane

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

components of the middle ear

A

3 middle ear bones, malleus, incus and stapes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

components of the inner ear

A

cochlea and the semicircular canals

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

pinna function

A

funnels sound toward opening of auditory meatus, thus providing some directional amplification, filters incoming sound wave providing cues to spatial location of the sound.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Tympanic membrane function

A

rarefaction causes it to bulge out, and compression to press in. At this point the airborne pressure wave is transformed into a vibration of the bones in the ossicular chain, which are connected mechanically to the tympanic membrane.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Which part of the ear functions as an impedance matcher- explain

A

Middle ear- the air filled outer ear has low impedence and the water filled inner ear has high impedance, resulting in an impedence mismatch. The middle ear bones translate the airborne pressure waves into motion of the fluid of the inner ear, alleviating the impedance mismatch. Since Pressure= Force/ area, increased force or decreased area will increase pressure. Stapes footplate is 20 times smaller than the tympanic membrane and the orientation of the bones creates a lever action which results in larger force.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q
  1. Understand the difference between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
A

Conductive: mechanical transmission of sound energy through middle ear is degraded. Sensorineural: damage to or loss of hair cells/nerve fibers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Causes of conductive hearing loss

A

1) filling of the middle ear with fluid during otitis media (i.e., ear infection); 2) otosclerosis, in
which arthritic bone growth impedes the movement of the ossicles; 3) malformations of the ear canal (atresia), including “swimmer’s” and “cauliflower” ear; 4) perforation/rupture of the tympanic membrane; 5) interruption of the ossicular chain; 6) static pressure in middle ear. Losses of 10-60 dB can occur in these cases.1) filling of the middle ear with fluid during otitis media (i.e., ear infection); 2) otosclerosis, in
which arthritic bone growth impedes the movement of the ossicles; 3) malformations of the ear canal (atresia), including “swimmer’s” and “cauliflower” ear; 4) perforation/rupture of the tympanic membrane; 5) interruption of the ossicular chain; 6) static pressure in middle ear. Losses of 10-60 dB can occur in these cases.1) filling of the middle ear with fluid during otitis media (i.e., ear infection); 2) otosclerosis, in
which arthritic bone growth impedes the movement of the ossicles; 3) malformations of the ear canal (atresia), including “swimmer’s” and “cauliflower” ear; 4) perforation/rupture of the tympanic membrane; 5) interruption of the ossicular chain; 6) static pressure in middle ear. Losses of 10-60 dB can occur in these cases.1) filling of the middle ear with fluid during otitis media (i.e., ear infection); 2) otosclerosis, in
which arthritic bone growth impedes the movement of the ossicles; 3) malformations of the ear canal (atresia), including “swimmer’s” and “cauliflower” ear; 4) perforation/rupture of the tympanic membrane; 5) interruption of the ossicular chain; 6) static pressure in middle ear. Losses of 10-60 dB can occur in these cases.1) filling of the middle ear with fluid during otitis media (i.e., ear infection); 2) otosclerosis, in
which arthritic bone growth impedes the movement of the ossicles; 3) malformations of the ear canal (atresia), including “swimmer’s” and “cauliflower” ear; 4) perforation/rupture of the tympanic membrane; 5) interruption of the ossicular chain; 6) static pressure in middle ear. Losses of 10-60 dB can occur in these cases.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Causes of sensorineural hearing loss

A

Occurs from damage to or the loss of hair cells and or nerve fibers. Common causes are 1) excessively loud sounds (iPod!!); 2) exposure to ototoxic drugs (diuretics, aminoglygocide antibiotics, aspirin, cancer therapy drugs); and 3) age (presbycusis).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

how do we distinguish conductive from sensorineural hearing loss on exam

A

in Conductive hearing loss, a tuning fork pressed against the bone will be heard (because the bone transmits the sound past the middle ear into fluid filled inner ear), while tuning fork in the air will not be heard

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

components of the cochlea

A

in cross section, the cochlea contains 3 fluid filled membranous compartments scala vestibuli, scala media and scala tympani. scala media and tympani are separated by basilar membrane (but connected by the helicotrema, a hole in the BM at the apex of the cochlea to relieve pressure), and sitting within the media and on top of the basilar membrane is the organ of Corti containing inner hair cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Function of cochlea

A

inner hair cells transduce sound into electrical signals.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

describe how sound is transmitted to electrical signals in the inner ear

A

sound wave moves the basilar membrane, which in turn moves the inner hair cells in the organ of corti

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q
  1. How does sound elicit movement of the BM?
A

As sound waves enter the inner ear, the oval window is compressed by the ossicles and bulges into the scala vestibulli, causing the basilar membrane to bulge into the scala tympani, then the compression in the scala tympani results in bulging of the round window into the middle ear. During rarefaction, the opposite will happen (ie. round window bulges towards scala tympani and oval window bulges out towards middle ear)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the tonotopic map?

A

At the base of the cochlea (the end near the oval
and round windows), the BM is thinner, narrower and more rigid, while at the apex the BM is more flexible, wider and thicker. The BM vibrates to high frequencies towards the base and to low frequencies towards the apex, creating a tonotopic map along the length of the BM. At the base of the cochlea (the end near the oval
and round windows), the BM is thinner, narrower and more rigid, while at the apex the BM is more flexible, wider and thicker. The BM vibrates to high frequencies towards the base and to low frequencies towards the apex, creating a tonotopic map along the length of the BM. At the base of the cochlea (the end near the oval
and round windows), the BM is thinner, narrower and more rigid, while at the apex the BM is more flexible, wider and thicker. The BM vibrates to high frequencies towards the base and to low frequencies towards the apex, creating a tonotopic map along the length of the BM. At the base of the cochlea (the end near the oval
and round windows), the BM is thinner, narrower and more rigid, while at the apex the BM is more flexible, wider and thicker. The BM vibrates to high frequencies towards the base and to low frequencies towards the apex, creating a tonotopic map along the length of the BM.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Why do hair cells located along the length of the BM respond maximally to different frequencies?

A

Due to the tonotopic map: Each IHC will respond best to a certain frequency determined by the mechanical properties of the BM at that particular location. ie. IHC at the apex will vibrate more with a low frequency sound b/c the BM at this location vibrates more to low frequency sounds. Thus the primary stimulus attribute that is mapped along the cochlea is sound frequency (and intensity).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q
  1. How does the IHC respond to bending of the stereocilia?
A

The apical surface of a hair cell has an array of stereocilia varying in length. Movement of the stereocilia bundle towards the longest stereocilia causes depolarization of the hair cell, movement towards the smallest stereocilia causes hyperpolarization.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the normal membrane potential of the hair cell

A

It is -50mV. It is never at rest (ie. At the K eq potential

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What are the properties of the transduction channels located at the tips of the stereocilia?

A

Bending of the stereocilia results in altered gating of transduction channels located near the tips of the individual hairs.The transduction channel is a non-specific cation channel that is voltage-insensitive. The apical end of the IHC is in the scala media which is filled with K rich, Na poor endolymph. The basal end of the IHC is near the basilar membrane in the scala tympani which is filled wtih High Na low K perilymph.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

How is the endolymph created

A

The stria vascularis, an epithelium on the side of the scala media actively pumps K+ into the endolymph maintaining a high K+ concentration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is the endonuclear potential

A

Active pumping of K+ by the stria vascularis results in a positive potential inside the scala media. This potential, the endocochlear potential, has a magnitude of +80 mV (endolymph positive with respect to perilymph)

30
Q

collapse of the endonuclear potential causes what. Give example

A

sensorineural hearing loss b/c there is a loss in driving force for transduction. Mutation in gap junction subunit connexin 32 causes collapse of endonuclear potential by reducing active transport of K in the stria vascularis. This is major cause of congenital deafness

31
Q

which ion is involved in hair cell depolarization

A

K influx

32
Q

describe opening/closing of the hair cell transducer channel

A

Tip links (thread-like connections) attach the apex of each sterocilium to the shank of the next. Bending the stereocilia towards the longer cilia causes the tip links to pull on the tops of the cilia, mechanically opening the channels, causing depolarization. When the bundle is pushed towards the shortest stereocilia, the channels are closed and the cell is hyperpolarized.

33
Q

hair cell membrane potential follows the movement of what?

A

Basilar membrane- up to 3kHz, any frequency of sound will cause an oscillating membrane potential of the same frequency. Above 3KHz there is temporal integration of the membrane potential leading to large depolarizations

34
Q

How does BM movement translate into hair bundle displacement

A

The hair cells are attached at the apical end to the tectorial membrane (on the scala media side) and at the basal end are attached to the basilar membrane (on the scala tympani side). The BM and TM are attached at different points on cochlear wall, so their pivot points are different. As the membranes move up-down together, lateral shearing forces occur btw the membranes, so the ciliary bundles are pushed from side to side as a consequence of the shearing.

35
Q

List steps in transduction of sound energy into electrical signals

A

Vibrations of eardrum > ossicles vibrate > Vibrations of the stapes on oval window cause traveling waves in cochlear fluids> vertical displacement of the basilar and tectorial membranes > shearing force between membranes bends the ciliary bundles of the hair cells > Ciliary bending leads to depolarization or hyperpolarization of the membrane potential >
increased or decreased rates of transmitter release >
Transmitter (aspartate or glutamate) causes depolarization of the afferent auditory nerve fiber > action potentials sent to second order neurons in the brainstem.Vibrations of eardrum > ossicles vibrate > Vibrations of the stapes on oval window cause traveling waves in cochlear fluids> vertical displacement of the basilar and tectorial membranes > shearing force between membranes bends the ciliary bundles of the hair cells > Ciliary bending leads to depolarization or hyperpolarization of the membrane potential >
increased or decreased rates of transmitter release >
Transmitter (aspartate or glutamate) causes depolarization of the afferent auditory nerve fiber > action potentials sent to second order neurons in the brainstem.Vibrations of eardrum > ossicles vibrate > Vibrations of the stapes on oval window cause traveling waves in cochlear fluids> vertical displacement of the basilar and tectorial membranes > shearing force between membranes bends the ciliary bundles of the hair cells > Ciliary bending leads to depolarization or hyperpolarization of the membrane potential >
increased or decreased rates of transmitter release >
Transmitter (aspartate or glutamate) causes depolarization of the afferent auditory nerve fiber > action potentials sent to second order neurons in the brainstem.

36
Q

discuss innervation of hair cells. What are the types

A

inner and outer hair cells are innervated by VIIIth cranial nerve, or spiral ganglion. They are called auditory nerve fibers. Type I ANFs innervate the IHCs and are myelinated and Type II innervate the OHCs and are not myelinated. A single IHC is innervated by 10-30 type I ANFs, while a single type II ANF innervates ~10 different OHCs.

37
Q

outer hair cells types of channels

A

OHCs bear stereocilia with mechanotransducing channels. However, unlike IHCs, OHCs are poorly
innervated by afferent ANFs, and are not thought to act as transducers. Rather, the efferent innervation from the central auditory system act upon OHCs to amplify the movements of the BM. OHCs respond
to changes in voltage with a change in length – they are “electromotileOHCs bear stereocilia with mechanotransducing channels. However, unlike IHCs, OHCs are poorly
innervated by afferent ANFs, and are not thought to act as transducers. Rather, the efferent innervation from the central auditory system act upon OHCs to amplify the movements of the BM. OHCs respond
to changes in voltage with a change in length – they are “electromotileOHCs bear stereocilia with mechanotransducing channels. However, unlike IHCs, OHCs are poorly
innervated by afferent ANFs, and are not thought to act as transducers. Rather, the efferent innervation from the central auditory system act upon OHCs to amplify the movements of the BM. OHCs respond
to changes in voltage with a change in length – they are “electromotile

38
Q

How are outer hair cells electromotile and what is the resuult of this characteristic

A

OHCs have a motor protein, prestin, which is voltage sensitive. In response to sound, the motor proteins change the length of the hair cell and because th OHCs are attached to the BM, the chang in length of the OHC pulls the BM towards or away from the tectorial membrane, changing the mechanical frequency selectivity of the BM

39
Q

function of medial olivocochlear neurons

A

These are efferent neurons that innrvate the OHCs. The sense the frequency and intensity of sound and act as feed-back control devices to change the
cochlear sensitivity via the OHCs. The motor proteins of the OHC are frequency tuned as well, so that the OHC will undergo th largest length changes when stimulated by the appropriate frequency. These are efferent neurons that innrvate the OHCs. The sense the frequency and intensity of sound and act as feed-back control devices to change the
cochlear sensitivity via the OHCs. The motor proteins of the OHC are frequency tuned as well, so that the OHC will undergo th largest length changes when stimulated by the appropriate frequency. These are efferent neurons that innrvate the OHCs. The sense the frequency and intensity of sound and act as feed-back control devices to change the
cochlear sensitivity via the OHCs. The motor proteins of the OHC are frequency tuned as well, so that the OHC will undergo th largest length changes when stimulated by the appropriate frequency.

40
Q
  1. What is understood by the “cochlear amplifier”?
A

the OHC enhances the movement of the BM
in a frequency-dependent manner, which results in a larger and sharper response of the BM to pure tone soundsthe OHC enhances the movement of the BM
in a frequency-dependent manner, which results in a larger and sharper response of the BM to pure tone soundsthe OHC enhances the movement of the BM
in a frequency-dependent manner, which results in a larger and sharper response of the BM to pure tone sounds

41
Q

clinical importance of the cochlear amplifier

A

sensorineural deafness can be caused by damage of OHCs. 1. Ototoxic antibiotics, such as streptomycin and gentamycin, can block the transduction channel of the OHCs and, with prolonged action, can kill them resulting in deafness. OHCs are more sensitive to these ototoxic antibiotics than IHCs. 2. OHCs are more sensitive than IHCs to damage due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds.

42
Q

What are otoacoustic emissions

A

The active OHCs can also create sounds, the so-called otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). Spontaneous or sound evoked movements of the OHCs set into motion the BM, which essentially causes the tympanic membrane to act as a loudspeaker. Miniature microphones placed in the ear canal can pick up these faint sounds created in the cochlea. OAEs are one of the main methods by which the hearing in newborn infant is tested. Lack of normal OAEs in infants can indicate sensorineural hearing loss.

43
Q

what is frequency tuning

A

When number of Action potentials fired by a single ANF is plotted against sound frequency, there is a peak called the characteristic frequency. This is th frequency at which that fiber is maximally sensitive, and higher or lower frequencies result in fewer APs per second. This frequency tuning of ANFs arises directly from the mechanical frequency selectivity of the BM.

44
Q

How is frequency and intensity encoded for in ANFs for high frequency sounds

A

frequency of sound is partly encoded by the place along the cochlea where the afferent fiber innervates an IHC. sound intensity is encoded via increases in the rate at which the neuron fires action potentials as the SPL is increased (rate code)

45
Q

How is frequency and intensity encoded for in ANFs for low frequency sounds

A

ANFs “phase lock” their action potentials. They tend to fire action potentials only at particular phases (i.e., compression or rarefaction) of the ongoing sound waveform. Phase locking in ANFs results directly from the oscillating membrane potential of the IHCs and the tendency for IHCs to release excitatory neurotransmitter only during the depolarizing phase. Behaviorally, we use the temporal pattern of action potentials in ANFs to determine the “pitch” of sounds with frequencies below ~1 kHz.

46
Q

compare perceptions of loudness and pitch

A

loudness= rate coding. Pitch: temporal coding of timing (phase locking)

47
Q

auditory neuropathy

A

Type of sensorineural hearing disorder that is not necessarily accompanied by hearing loss. results from some problem with neural transmission from IHC to ANFs, or in the ANF function itself. Patients present with normal OAEs and even normal tone thresholds. One problem appears to be that ANFs have lost the ability to phase lock, leading to deficits in discriminating or even understanding speech

48
Q
  1. Describe the anatomical pathway for the auditory system in the brainstem. Where do axons decussate in this pathway?
A

ANF collects sound info at cochlea > cell body in spiral ganglion > axons form auditory portion of VIIIth nerve > bifurcate upon entering brainstem > 1. ventral cochlear nucleus or 2. dorsal cochlear nucleus (both in inferior cerebellar peduncles) > some axons cross midline in the dorsal acoustic stria (from DCN) or trapezoid body (from VCN) in mid pons > some fibers synapse at superior olive in mid pons, some continue without synapsing > fibers regroup as lateral lemniscus and ascend> some fibers synapse in nucleus of lateral lemniscus in pons-midbrain junction, others coninue on > inferior colliculus of midbrain

49
Q

What neurons are located in the superior olivary nucleus

A

medial olivocochlear neurons- these feed back to the OHCs

50
Q

Discuss consequence of unilateral lesions rostral and caudal to the cochlear nuclei

A

Because some axons from cells in the cochlear nucleus join the ipsilateral lateral lemniscus while
others join the contralateral lateral lemniscus, unilateral lesions rostral to the cochlear nuclei do not produce unilateral deafness, whereas lesions caudal to and including the Cochlear Nuclei produce unilateral deafness. Lesions central to Cochlear Nuclei are often accompanied by deficits in sound source localization Because some axons from cells in the cochlear nucleus join the ipsilateral lateral lemniscus while
others join the contralateral lateral lemniscus, unilateral lesions rostral to the cochlear nuclei do not produce unilateral deafness, whereas lesions caudal to and including the Cochlear Nuclei produce unilateral deafness. Lesions central to Cochlear Nuclei are often accompanied by deficits in sound source localization

51
Q
  1. Describe the anatomical pathway for the auditory system in the diencephalons and cerebral cortex.
A

Inferior colliculus (midbrain) receives input from cochlear nuclei and pontine nuclei (nuclei of superior olive) > fibers project mainly to ipsilateral medial geniculate where they synapse (thalamus), but some to contralateral inferior colliculus and medial geniculate > primary auditory cortex (A1, in superior temporal gyrus) via auditory radiations. > Regions of auditory cortex are linked by association fibers (on same side) an anterior commisure (for opposite sides)

52
Q

two functions of auditory system

A

determine what it was in the environment that produced a sound while the second is to determine where in space the sound occurred

53
Q

How do we determine what a sound is?

A

This is done using a combination of both rate coding of sound intensity and temporal coding (phase locking) of the periodicity of sounds. The population of ANFs, each ANF sensitive to a different range of frequencies (frequency tuning curve), acts essentially as a spectrum analyzer; measuring what frequencies are present, their intensities, and their relative times of arrival. This information is preserved in the
responses of the ventral cochlear nucleus neurons and ultimately transmitted to the auditory cortex where the pattern of neural activity is perceived and recognized as speech.This is done using a combination of both rate coding of sound intensity and temporal coding (phase locking) of the periodicity of sounds. The population of ANFs, each ANF sensitive to a different range of frequencies (frequency tuning curve), acts essentially as a spectrum analyzer; measuring what frequencies are present, their intensities, and their relative times of arrival. This information is preserved in the
responses of the ventral cochlear nucleus neurons and ultimately transmitted to the auditory cortex where the pattern of neural activity is perceived and recognized as speech.

54
Q

List 3 main acoustical cues for sound source localization

A

Interaural time delays, interaural level differences, and monaural spectral shape

55
Q

What are interaural time delays

A

Sound will arrive at each ear at different times, giving a clue as to where the sound came from

56
Q

What are interaural level differences

A

For sounds of high frequency (short wavelength), the head creates an acoustic shadow for the far ear because sounds with wavelengths the diameter of the head and smaller are refelcted off the near side of the head, attenuating the sound arriving at the ear farthest from the source.

57
Q

What are monaural spectral shapes

A

Help with localization of source elevation and in distinguishing btw sources in front of or behind observer. Direction and frequency dependent reflection and diffraction of pressure waveforms by pinna result in broadband spectral patterns, shapes, that change with location.

58
Q

Auditory neuropathy and localization

A

Patients with auditory neuropathy cannot use ITDs for sound localization because ITD coding relies on phase-locking, but can use ILDs, which use rate coding

59
Q

Where are interaural time delays and interaural level differences processed

A

ITDs: medial superior olive. ILDs: lateral superior olive

60
Q

Describe pathway of interaural time delays

A

ANFs send info to anteroventral cochlear nucleus > phase-locked neural responses carrying info on times of occurrence arrive at medial superior olive nucleus > MSO neurons behave like coincidence dtectors, responding maximally only when AP’s from L and R ears arrive simultaneously > AVCN axons form delay lines due to diff in neural path lengths (from ITD delays)

61
Q

When are ITDs most useful

A

for localization of low frequency sounds (<1.5kHz) where phase locking is best.

62
Q

Describe pathway of interaural level differences

A

ipsilateral ear input is conveyed via ANF synapses with AVCN cells which send an excitatory projection to ipsilateral lateral superior olive. Contralateral ear input comes from the ACVN but projects across midline to neurons of the medial nucleus of trapezoid body. AVCN cells synapsing on MNTB neurons forms the massive calyx of Held. MNTB neurons are glycinergic, so their projection to the LSO is inhibitory. The combo of ipsilateral excitation and contralateral inhibition allow LSO neurons to encode ILDs by a rate code (number of AP’s is proportional to sPL of the sound). LSO neurons then send excitatory projections to the contralateral dorsal nucleus of lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus to acheive contralateral representation

63
Q

When are ILDs most useful

A

for localization of high frequency sounds

64
Q

List all the nuclei that converge on the inferior colliculus

A

cochlear nucleus, MSO, LSO, dorsal nucleus of lateral lemniscus

65
Q

Neurons at the level of the inferior colliculus represents sounds in the ipsilateral or contralateral hemisphere? Why

A

contralateral- the right IC represents sound sources on the left side of the body. B/c neurons from the MSO, LSO and DCN reconverge at the contralateral IC

66
Q

Clinical consequence of unilateral lesions above the IC, in the IC,

A

unilateral lesions in the IC or above result in deficits in sound source localization for sources contralateral to the lesion. And because the IC is heavily innervated by neurons from both ears, unilateral lesions at the IC or more central do not result in unilateral deafness.

67
Q

What does the medial geniculate body connect with

A

The MGB projects to the amygdala (auditory fear conditioning), then to the auditory cortical areas in the superior temporal gyrus.

68
Q

Primary auditory cortex layout

A

This is broadmanns area 41- arranged in a tonotopic map with neurons responding to lower frequencies located anteriorly and neurons responding to higher frequencies more posterior.

69
Q

Secondary auditory cortex

A

Broadmanns area 42- surrounds primary auditory cortex and includes Wernikes area (cortical area for understanding and processing spoken language)

70
Q

Damage to Wernikes area results in…

A

wernikes aphasia. General impairment in language comprehension but not language production.

71
Q

brocas area function

A

formation of spoken language