Re: physiological mechanism behind critical bands?

[Martin Braun <nombraun@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Friday, November 05, Woojay Jeon asked:

> Can anybody refer me to any sources that discuss the physiological
mechanism
> in the auditory system that gives rise to critical bands? Are critical
bands
> due purely to the spectral integration effect in the basilar membrane
(which
> is usually simulated by cochlear filterbanks), or is there more processing
> done in higher processing levels (such as in the central auditory system)
> that gives rise to the critical band effect? Exactly which parts of the
> auditory system are responsible for critical bands and how?

Good question! Contrary to a widespread belief, there is no physiological
evidence that the critical bands (CB) have anything to do with the cochlea.
There is, however, strong anatomical and physiological evidence which
indicates that the origin of the CB in mammals lies in the auditory midbrain
(central nucleus of the inferior colliculus). For a review and discussion of
the evidence, see this paper:

http://w1.570.telia.com/~u57011259/Braun%201999%20abstract.htm

Martin

----------------------------
Martin Braun
Neuroscience of Music
S-671 95 Klassbol
Sweden
web site: http://w1.570.telia.com/~u57011259/index.htm