Sounds do-able: auditory-motor transformations and the posterior temporal plane

Trends Neurosci. 2005 Dec;28(12):636-43. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2005.09.010. Epub 2005 Oct 10.

Abstract

Accumulating evidence in humans and non-human primates implicates the posterior superior temporal plane (STP) in the processing of both auditory spatial information and vocal sounds. Such evidence is difficult to reconcile with existing accounts of the primate auditory brain. We propose that the posteromedial STP generates sequenced auditory representations by matching incoming auditory information with stored templates. These sequenced auditory representations are subsequently used to constrain motor responses. We argue for a re-assessment of the much-debated dorsal auditory pathway in terms of its generic behavioral role as an auditory "do" pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Communication*
  • Animals
  • Auditory Cortex / physiology*
  • Auditory Pathways / physiology*
  • Auditory Perception / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Motor Cortex / physiology
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Primates
  • Sound Localization / physiology*