Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
08:45
Mapping Cortical Dynamics Using Simultaneous MEG/EEG and Anatomically-constrained Minimum-norm Estimates: an Auditory Attention Example
Published on: October 24, 2012
Asymmetrical representation of auditory space in human cortex.
Nelli H Salminen1, Hannu Tiitinen, Ismo Miettinen
1Department of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland. nelli.salminen@tkk.fi
Brain Research
|October 6, 2009
Summary
The human brain represents sound location using a population rate code. This study reveals right-hemisphere neurons are more tuned to the left, supporting this auditory spatial coding model.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Perception
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Auditory spatial coding in the human brain is not fully understood.
- Previous studies suggest a population rate code model with wide spatial receptive fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural representation of auditory space in the human cortex.
- To explore hemispheric differences in auditory spatial coding using magnetoencephalography (MEG).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a stimulus-specific adaptation paradigm with realistic spatial sound stimuli (wideband noise and speech).
- Measured cortical neuronal spatial selectivity by assessing the impact of adaptor sound location on probe sound responses.
- Analyzed magnetoencephalography (MEG) data to examine brain responses.
Main Results:
- Cortical hemispheres showed differing responses to sound location.
- Right-hemispheric responses were attenuated more by left-sided adaptors than right-sided adaptors.
- Left-hemispheric responses were similarly affected by left and right adaptors.
Conclusions:
- Results support a population rate code model for auditory spatial representation.
- Suggests right-hemispheric neurons are predominantly tuned to the left, while left-hemispheric neurons have balanced tuning.
- Highlights hemispheric asymmetry in auditory spatial processing.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:13The Cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
01:15Auditory Pathway
Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
01:33Somatosensation
The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.
01:05Cerebral Hemispheres
The human brain, a complex organ, is functionally divided into two cerebral hemispheres—left and right. These hemispheres are interconnected by a structure of paramount importance, the corpus callosum. This substantial bundle of neural fibers is not just a bridge between the hemispheres but a crucial element for the brain's comprehensive functioning. It enables efficient communication between the two hemispheres, allowing each side of the brain to control and receive sensory and motor...
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...