Smith, R.C.G.;
(2011)
Structure and function of the avian neuronal nucleus for sound
localisation.
Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).
Abstract
In this thesis I present studies on the structure, function and development of the avian neuronal nucleus for sound localisation. The ability to locate sound sources is an important faculty for both predator and prey alike and the precision of sound localisation ability is known as acuity. Using theoretical methods I have determined that there is a limitation on acuity for sound localisation using interaural time difference (ITD) detection. Acuity limitation is due to the geometry of a sound source and a listener and acuity can not be improved by varying the ITD detection mechanism. This has implications for ITD detection structures. In birds, the nucleus Laminaris (nL) is a population of ITD detecting neurons with an unusual laminar structure. I have investigated nL structural development from a rounded cluster of cells to a one cell thick sheet. The structure and function of cell populations are interlinked and their relationship can be investigated through understanding their development. These studies show that cell death is not a significant contributor to nL structural development and relative cell movement is the dominant mechanism. There is also spatiotemporal patterning of nL structure development which is similar to the patterning found for neuron birth times. Intercellular interactions, such as adhesion, can affect relative cell movements during development. By considering the maximum adhesion configuration for a theoretical population of cells, I have demonstrated that population structure can be affected by individual cell morphology. This may provide a mechanism for nL laminar structure development. The role of adhesion in nL development and cell migration has also been explored using in vivo perturbation and in vitro assays.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Title: | Structure and function of the avian neuronal nucleus for sound localisation |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Permission for digitisation not received |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences > Div of Biosciences > Cell and Developmental Biology UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Computer Science > CoMPLEX: Mat&Phys in Life Sci and Exp Bio |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1318133 |
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