Contributions to Sensory Physiology

Contributions to Sensory Physiology: Volume 5 presents a theory about the physiological basis of sensation. It discusses some research made in microscopic anatomy and psychophysics. It addresses the functional significance and physiological mechanisms of the sensory systems. Some of the topics covered in the book are the simple cells of the striate cortex; the concept of a receptive field; definition of a unimodal simple cell; inhibitory components in the receptive field; stimulus contrast and mean level of luminance; specificity of inhibitory zones; and experimental procedures for recording average response histogram. The relation and possible importance of taste bud cells are covered. The comparison of foliate, vallate, and fungiform buds are discussed. The text describes the nature of taste receptor sites. A study of the location of receptor sites on taste cells is presented. A chapter is devoted to the mechanochemical model of taste excitation. Another section focuses on the proposals for molecular specificity. The book can provide useful information to scientists, doctors, students, and researchers.

List of Contributors

Preface

Contents of Previous Volumes

Simple Cells of the Striate Cortex

I. The Concept of a Receptive Field

II. Receptive Fields of Neurons in the Striate Cortex

III. Excitatory Components in the Receptive Field

IV. Inhibitory Components in the Receptive Field

V. Binocular Specificities: Binocular Gate Neuron

VI. Form Discrimination: Some Speculations

References

Relations and Possible Significance of Taste Bud Cells

I. Introduction

II. Experiment No. 1: IXth Nerve Section

III. Experiment No. 2: Thymidine Labeling

IV. Experiment No. 3: Horizontal Serial Sections

V. General Discussion

VI. Conclusions

References

The Nature of Taste Receptor Sites

I. Nature of the Problem

II. Location of Receptor Sites on Taste Cells

III. Heterogeneity of Receptor Sites

IV. Quantitative Measures of Stimulus-Receptor Site Interaction

V. Receptor Site Plasticity

VI. A Mechanochemical Model of Taste Excitation

VII. Conclusion

References

Auditory Receptor Organs of Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals

I. Introduction

II. Reptiles

III. Birds

IV. Mammals

V. Summary

References

Old and New Data on Tone Perception

I. Introduction

II. Frequency Analysis by the Ear

III. Timbre and the Harmonics

IV. Effect of Phase on Timbre

V. Combination Tones

VI. Beats of Simple Tones

VII. Tonal Consonance and Dissonance

VIII. Discussion

References

Author Index

Subject Index