Characteristics of the reactions of the cochlear nuclei of bats to single and paired ultrasound stimuli.

Some discharge characteristics were investigated for response of certain neurons of the cochlear nuclei in Rhinolophus ferrum equinum to ultrasonic stimuli filling frequency within aecholocating range. Most neurons were found to have three spearated response areas, one in the 80-90 kHz frequency band (basic characteristic frequency) and two others-1/2 and 1/3 of the first one. The response areas included the inhibitory band, one of which was located higher than the basic characteristic frequency. Two other inhibitory bands overlapped with the complementary response areas. The sensitivity of neurons to the frequency of the stimulus increased when the characteristic frequency was changed from 90 to 80 kHz with maximal sensitivity at 80-80.5 kHz.