Action Potentials (Spikes)

The output of every neuron consists of a sequence of pulses known as action potentials or spikes. Every spike has the same waveform lasting about a millisecond (one-thousandth of a second).

Information about sound is carried in the timing of the spikes. For example, loudness is usually coded by neurons in how rapidly the spikes occur.

Recorded spikes from a neuron in the auditory pathway

Response of an auditory neuron to a tone turned on every 6 seconds.

Back to the brain.

Don Johnson 3/16/97