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Motor output, neural states and auditory perception.
1Department of Psychology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|November 5, 2018
Summary
Motor cortex activity influences auditory processing by altering neural states, sharpening frequency tuning, and improving signal-to-noise ratio. This mechanism explains sensory attenuation and enhancement in different contexts.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Perception
- Motor Control
Background:
- Behavior results from sensory input and internal neural states.
- Active behavior modulates perception, suggesting motor pathways influence sensory processing.
- Existing literature shows apparent discrepancies in motor-sensory interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Propose a mechanism for how motor cortex activity modulates auditory cortex neural states.
- Explain how motor-induced neural changes affect auditory processing and behavioral outcomes.
- Reconcile conflicting findings in motor-sensory interaction research.
Main Methods:
- Modeling based on animal and human literature.
- Focus on the auditory modality and motor cortex influence.
- Describing neural mechanisms including global inhibition.
Main Results:
- Motor cortex activity induces global inhibition in the auditory cortex.
- This inhibition reduces net auditory population activity and sharpens frequency tuning curves.
- Changes in auditory oscillatory state and increased signal-to-noise ratio of neural activity are observed.
Conclusions:
- Motor-induced neural shifts in the auditory cortex can attenuate or enhance behavioral responses.
- The proposed mechanism explains sensory attenuation and enhancement phenomena.
- This model helps resolve discrepancies in the motor-sensory interaction literature.
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