Modeling the Biophysical Basis of Multisensory Integration in the Superior Colliculus
Multiple Paper Presentation

Terrence Stanford
Wake Forest Univ. Sch. of Med.

*Benjamin Rowland
Wake Forest Univ. Sch. of Med.

*Barry Stein
Wake Forest Univ. Sch. of Med.

     Abstract ID Number: 16

Abstract
Neurons in the superior colliculus play a primary role in effecting orientation to stimuli in the environment. “Multisensory enhancement” refers to the phenomenon where the multisensory response is greater than the largest unisensory response. We present a new model that links the physiological response to specific predictions for the internal structure of the superior colliculus. This model can explain several counterintuitive findings regarding multisensory enhancement, including results showing that the elimination of descending cortical influences renders SC neurons incapable of integrating apparently intact unisensory influences. We present a simple analysis of the model and simulations that support the assumptions of this analysis. We also present preliminary data from anatomical studies that directly support the unique predictions of this model.

To be Presented at the Following Symposium:
Within-modal vs. cross-modal processes: neurons, behavior and clinical studies
Other papers in this Symposium:

• Nadia Bolognini
  Department of Psychology University of Bologna
  Multisensory localization of sounds: behavioral and neuropsychological evidences.
• Mark Wallace
  Neurobiology & Anatomy, Wake Forest Univ Sch Med
  Developmental Plasticity in Multisensory Representations