A Semantic Concept of Auditory Cortex Function and Learning

摘要: Auditory cortex (AC) differs from subcortical auditory nuclei due to its prominent learning-related plasticity (e.g., Suga and Ma 2003; Weinberger 2004; Irvine Wright 2005; Ohl Scheich et al. 2007) the dominance of descending inputs other cortical areas (Budinger 2000b, 2006, 2008; 2007). Thus, AC can be considered a bottom-up/top-down interface with function comprising more than simply refining identification discrimination stimulus properties for use in cognitive behavioral tasks elsewhere. appears an active participant such (Scheich 2006; 2010). This role would require various learning strategies. While it is known that processing modifiable by (see Chapters 22 4), learning-induced changes context still uncertain. Considerations special nature environmental sounds as information source shaping system evolution lead us propose semantic hypothesis learning: promotes behaviorally meaningful interpretations sounds. It not sound event itself, but presumed cause and/or consequence toward which concern listener ultimately directed. The semantics any may explicitly available AC. Rather, representations their reflect implicit rules strategies through interactions attach meaning predict performance. Similar processes occur sensory modalities, we attributing requires phenomena are particularly salient cortex. In sense, our proposal extension concept scene analysis (Bregman 1990) processing.