MECHANISMS OF ACOUSTIC PERCEPTION AND ORIENTATION

行为、生理和解剖学研究将在 [医]斑背蕨 这些蝙蝠很适合研究 控制听觉输入的机制，它们提供了一个模型系统， 声喉相互作用和形态学研究 耳蜗的特殊功能来进行尖锐的调音。 行为和 生理学实验将利用模拟（钟摆）飞行， 动物积极参与回声定位的固定，移动或 飘动的目标 耳蜗、第VIII神经和CNS的反应 听觉中枢对发出的脉冲和回声，以及对CF和FM短纯音 在飞行过程中将被持续监控，视频系统将记录 动物对特定目标的注意力。 单单位研究将集中在听觉神经纤维的性质 以及影响锐调谐的因素。 将特别注意 对具有已知频率响应的细胞群的标记， 随后建立更精确的耳蜗频率图。 频率图将被叠加在三维计算机上 重建耳蜗，第八神经和特定部分的 Corti器官 一种新发现的植物的密度、排列和生理影响 含有收缩蛋白的细胞层将通过以下方法进行研究： 免疫细胞化学和电镜技术。 的假设 这些细胞接触并向基底膜螺旋施加径向张力 韧带复合体和影响耳蜗的机械性能将 得到考验 胶乳吸收和运输的生理效应 微球的第八神经将进行分析和选择性 螺旋神经节细胞和传出细胞的光热破坏 尸体将被尝试。 这些研究具有广泛的应用， 研究基本的听觉机制，在发展更多的 先进的盲人主动声纳系统， 应用光疗技术治疗耳鸣或 任何疾病，其中选定的神经元组可以有利地 摧毁.

Behavioral, physiological and anatomical studies will be carried out on Pteronotus p. parnellii. These bats lend themselves well to the study of mechanisms controlling auditory input and they provide a model system for studies on acoustic-laryngeal interactions and morphological specializations of the cochlea for sharp tuning. Behavioral and physiological experiments will utilize simulated (pendulum) flight with animals actively involved in the echolocation of fixed, moving or fluttering targets. The responses of the cochlea, VIIIth nerve and CNS auditory centers to emitted pulses and echoes, and to CF and FM tone bursts will be monitored continuously during flight and a video system will record the animal's attentiveness to specific targets. Single unit studies will focus on the properties of auditory nerve fibers and on factors which affect sharp tuning. Special attention will be given to the labeling of cell populations with known frequency responses and the subsequent establishment of more precise cochlear frequency maps. Frequency maps will be superimposed on three-dimensional, computer reconstructions of the cochlea, VIIIth nerve and specific parts of the organ of Corti. The density, arrangement and physiological influence of a newly discovered layer of cells containing contractile proteins will be studied by immunocytochemical and electronmicroscopic techniques. The hypothesis that these cells contact and apply radial tension to the basilar membrane-spiral ligament complex and affect the mechanical properties of the cochlea will be tested. The physiological effects of the uptake and transport of latex microspheres by the VIIIth nerve will be analyzed and selective photothermolytic destruction of spiral ganglion cells and efferent cell bodies will be attempted. These studies have wide applications in the study of basic auditory mechanisms, in the development of more sophisticated active sonar systems for the blind, and in the potential application of photothermolytic techniques to the treatment of tinnitus or any disorder where selected groups of neurons might be advantageously destroyed.