Within each CN division, many cell and response types are recognized such as the primary-like, chopper, onset, and pauser/buildup. Numerous biophysical models of the different cell types exist that attempt to relate them to each other and the possible functional roles they play within each nucleus division.
Our modeling efforts have two specific objectives. We will extend the models of the isofrequency slices in the DCN [.Davis Voigt 1996.] to include the entire DCN and compare model responses to the extensive experimental data set available in Voigt's laboratory. We will also develop detailed models of a specific class of cells in the PVCN, known as the onset cells, whose function appears to be to detect local temporal maxima in the output of the periphery. Onset cells synchronize extremely well to amplitude modulated signals which leads us to believe they play an important role in the perception of temporal pitch and perhaps in the estimation of the duration of transient stimuli. We have developed a model of these onset cells as part of our larger model of periodicity coding [.Deligeorges Mountain 1996.]. We will refine this model to achieve better performance in low SNR conditions.