抄録
1. The response pattern of binaural interaction of single auditory neurons in the trapezoid, accessory and S-segment nuclei of the superior olivary complex of the cat was described. Neurons in these nuclei were classified as monaurally responding units and binaurally responding units. The former were further classified into ipsiexcited (type I) and contraexcited (type II) “timeintensitytrading” neurons.
2. Trading characteristics to interaural time and intensitydifferences were the same in both type I and type II neurons. An extremely short time course of inhibition was found.
3. On binaurally responding units the response areas were determined separately by monaural stimulation of the two ears. The response areas were similar, with almost the same characteristicfrequency but adifferent threshold. Comparing the latency to click stimuli of the two ears, a surprising coincidence in latency of responses was found by means of computer analysis. Binaural interaction was produced in these units with long-lasting inhibition. Interneuron action with burst discharges may participate in the mechanism of this interaction.
4. Directional sensitivity of auditory neurons tofrequency modulated sound was observed at this level. Since no directionally sensitive neurons could be found at a more peripheral level, the superior olivary nuclei is the lowest level in the auditory pathway where such neurons exist.
5. “Time-intensitytrading” neurons may play an important role in the localization judgment. However, the binaurally responding units which produced a sustained inhibitory interaction between both ears must have some other function besides the localization judgment.
