17. The Auditory System: Sound Localization

Auditory System

The system responsible for processing sound in the brain.

Sound Localization

The ability to determine the location of a sound source.

Tonotopy

The organization of auditory processing areas based on the frequency of sound.

Tonotopic maps

Maps in the auditory system that represent different frequencies of sound.

Interaural Time Delay (ITD)

The difference in arrival time of a sound wave between the two ears.

Interaural Intensity or Level Difference (IID or ILD)

The difference in sound intensity between the two ears.

Duplex theory of horizontal sound localization

The use of both ITD and IID for sound localization in the horizontal plane.

Binaural neurons

Neurons that receive input from both ears and are involved in sound localization.

Inferior Colliculus

The site of convergence for auditory processing in the brain.

Auditory Space Map

A topographic representation of auditory space created by the inferior colliculus.

Vestibular System

The system responsible for sensing balance and equilibrium.

Otolith organs

Organs in the vestibular system that detect horizontal and vertical motion of the body.

Semicircular canals

Canals in the vestibular system that sense head rotation.