Neurobiology of Music

PSY 136

music as an "electrode" in the temporal lobes

music (sound) is processed in the auditory cortex (temporal lobes) which is near the TPJ, MTL, pSTG
-music may be able to produce small experiences of dreamy state, overwhelming spiritual experiences, etc

How does sound get processed consciously?

ear -> input into CNS via vestibulocochlear nerve -> inferior colliculus -> medial geniculate nucleus of the thalamus -> A1 -> conscious access

Why is the auditory cortex considered a "pianoculus"?

different areas of the auditory cortex respond to different frequencies of sounds
-like homunculus (different body parts map to different brain areas in S1)

tympanic membrane

-eardrum
-separates outer and middle ear

oval window

membrane that covers the opening between the middle ear and inner ear
-top of the cylinder

round window

membrane that relieves pressure from vibrating waves in cochlear fluid
-bottom of the cylinder (closed system)

basilar membrane

membrane in cochlea that detects pressure oscillations that are created by the ossicles (stapes) knocking on the oval window
-cone-shaped, wide and narrow ends respond to different frequencies
-like a piano

vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve 8)

attached to hair cells in the basilar membrane
-transduce sound waves into neural activity
-project to the inferior colliculus

cochlea

coiled structure that contains the basilar membrane

primary auditory cortex

processes auditory information
-different frequencies of sound are processed at different areas in A1
-located in the superior temporal gyrus of the temporal lobe (Heschl gyri)

composers play the temporal lobe

composers write music to activate different areas of the temporal lobe leading to various emotional responses