ISSN:
1432-0770
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Computer Science
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract Investigations on the auditory system of the migratory locust using the system theory (i.e. the white-noise method) to determine the transfer characteristics of single auditory neurons are presented for the first time. The transfer characteristics of receptor cells and ascending ventral-cord neurons are evaluated with respect to a special test signal (“modulation signal”). The test signal determines the temporal course of the actual sound pressure of the stimulus. The use of the white-noise method has the advantage of applying only one particular test signal instead of a very large number of stimuli with varying amplitude and duration. The computational burden is within a reasonable range. The receptor cells in general show a good linear and quadratic coupling between the test signal and their responses whereas the ascending ventral-cord neurons normally do not. The responses of the receptors in contrast to the central auditory neurons depend only on the difference between the actual threshold and the sound-pressure level of the stimulus and not on the carrier frequency of the stimulus signal.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00336801
