The Cochlear Tuning Curve
Biological Physics
2013-05-29 v1
Abstract
The tuning curve of the cochlea measures how large an input is required to elicit a given output level as a function of the frequency. It is a fundamental object of auditory theory, for it summarizes how to infer what a sound was on the basis of the cochlear output. A simple model is presented showing that only two elements are sufficient for establishing the cochlear tuning curve: a broadly tuned traveling wave, moving unidirectionally from high to low frequencies, and a set of mechanosensors poised at the threshold of an oscillatory (Hopf) instability. These two components suffice to generate the various frequency-response regimes which are needed for a cochlear tuning curve with a high slope.
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0111204,
title = {The Cochlear Tuning Curve},
author = {Marcelo O. Magnasco},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0111204},
year = {2013}
}