A cochlear model using feedback from motile outer hair cells.
A model of cochlear vibrations based upon motile outer hair cells (OHCs) has been developed using physiologically demonstrated phenomena. Rapid longitudinally directed OHC forces are connected in such a way as to form a negative-feedback system. The responses at the higher frequencies (greater than 1 kHZ) are quite realistic: they have properly shaped amplitude curves with large tip-to-tail ratios (30-50 dB), Q10's of 2-6, and 'shoulders' at frequencies an octave below the resonant frequency. The phases are also quite realistic, though asymptoting at somewhat lower values (about -6 pi radians) than observed physiologically. The responses in the apical section are not so realistic. The form of the OHC force is physically unrealizable, but realizable forms are discussed.
Department of Neurophysiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706.
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Geisler
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000818:Animals; D001489:Basilar Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003051:Cochlea / Q000502:physiology*; D005246:Feedback; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D014732:Vibration