Subject: Re: physiological mechanism behind critical bands? From: Martin Braun <nombraun(at)TELIA.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2004 20:16:11 +0100On 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