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Corticofugal modulation of peripheral auditory responses
Gonzalo Terreros1, Paul H Delano2
1Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile.
Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience
|October 21, 2015
Summary
The auditory cortex influences hearing by modulating cochlear potentials via efferent pathways. This study reviews evidence for a functional corticofugal system affecting auditory processing and cochlear responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Sensory Systems
Background:
- The auditory efferent system involves feedback loops from the auditory cortex to lower auditory centers and the cochlea.
- Previous research suggests auditory cortex activity impacts cochlear potentials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present anatomical and physiological evidence for a functional efferent network from the auditory cortex to the cochlea.
- To emphasize corticofugal effects on initial auditory processing.
Main Methods:
- Review of anatomical and physiological studies.
- Analysis of experiments involving pharmacological and physical blockade of auditory cortex activity.
- Examination of microstimulation effects on cochlear sensitivity and olivocochlear (OC) reflex strength.
Main Results:
- Auditory cortex activity modulation affects cochlear potential amplitude.
- Auditory cortex microstimulation independently alters cochlear sensitivity and OC reflex strength.
- Evidence supports functional corticofugal pathways influencing auditory processing.
Conclusions:
- A functional efferent network exists from the auditory cortex to the cochlear receptor.
- Three parallel corticofugal pathways to the cochlea and auditory nerve are proposed.
- Corticofugal pathways play a role in modulating initial auditory processing.
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