Pitch perception combines place-based and timing-based neural analysis of complex tones

Evidence

Figure 3.12 shows a model for pitch perception of complex tones based on that of Moore (1982) that encapsulates the benefits described for both theories. The acoustic pressure wave is modified by the frequency response of the outer and middle ears (see Chapter 2) and analyzed by the place mechanism, which is equivalent to a filter bank analysis. Neural firings occur stimulated by the detailed vibration of the membrane at places equivalent to frequency components of the input sound based on phase locking but not always once per cycle-the latter is illustrated on the right-hand side of the figure. The fact that firing is occurring from particular places provides the basis for the place theory of pitch perception. The intervals between neural firings (spikes) are analyzed, and the results are combined to allow common intervals to be found that will tend to be at the fundamental period and Combine Interspike intervals keeping place FIGURE 3. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 912

Categorization

Category: Causal Relationships

• DEFINE: Explains how place theory and temporal (phase-locking) theory are combined in Moore’s unified model of pitch perception.
• XREF: Connects to the book’s earlier discussion of the outer/middle ear frequency response in Chapter 2.

Related

• Two competing theories explain how the ear tracks pitch (similarity 0.89)
• Pitch may be jointly coded by temporal patterns and their cochlear location (similarity 0.89)
• Pitch perception is explained by two competing physiological models of the inner ear (similarity 0.88)
• Temporal and place theories explain pitch by different neural and mechanical mechanisms. (similarity 0.88)
• Hearing analyzes pitch through both place and timing mechanisms (similarity 0.88)
• Only two classical theories, place and temporal, explain pitch tracking. (similarity 0.87)
• Place and timing theories fail to explain some complex pitch perception phenomena (similarity 0.86)
• Neural pitch coding produces a butte of equal-rate activity centered on the stimulus frequency (similarity 0.85)
• The temporal code mainly handles pitch at low frequencies where pitch is strong (similarity 0.85)
• Place theory claims pitch is encoded by basilar membrane position (similarity 0.85)
• The fundamental period emerges from pooled nerve firing intervals across all places (similarity 0.85)
• Pitch is perceived from firing intervals even when nerves skip cycles (similarity 0.85)
• FDL findings compromise a purely temporal account of low-frequency pitch. (similarity 0.84)
• Phase invariance of pitch might arise from some neurons always entracking (similarity 0.84)
• Place and temporal codes work together and must stay synchronized for accurate pitch. (similarity 0.84)