An all-in-one-volume approach to the structure and function of the central auditory system of mammals, this richly illustrated book provides a concise overview of the subject in the first chapter, followed by an in-depth treatment of all levels of the central auditory pathway in the next four chapters. The authors expertly integrate general aspects of sound processing at a given level of the system with special topics relevant to that level. The emphasis shifts from a cellular level of auditory analysis at the first brain centre to the interplay of fifteen centres in a maze of connecting loops using various neurotransmitters, to the organisation of topographic maps of neuronal responses in the midbrain, to questions of how a highly parallel and hierarchical system of distributed thalamic and cortical information channels can function so that, finally, sounds may be perceived and recognized. This book is intended for both the researcher who needs a quick reference, and the expert with a more specialized and detailed interest in the subject.

"Development of Auditory and Vestibular Systems" fourth edition presents a global and synthetic view of the main aspects of the development of the stato-acoustic system. Unique to this volume is the joint discussion of two sensory systems that, although close at the embryological stage, present divergences during development and later reveal conspicuous functional differences at the adult stage. This work covers the development of auditory receptors up to the central auditory system from several animal models, including humans. Coverage of the vestibular system, spanning amphibians to effects of altered gravity during development in different species, offers examples of the diversity and complexity of life at all levels, from genes through anatomical form and function to, ultimately, behavior.

The new edition of "Development of Auditory and Vestibular Systems" will continue to be an indispensable resource for beginning scientists in this area and experienced researchers alike.
Full-color figures illustrate the development of the stato-acoustic system pathwayCovers a broad range of species, from drosophila to humans, demonstrating the diversity of morphological development despite similarities in molecular processes involved at the cellular levelDiscusses a variety of approaches, from genetic-molecular biology to psychophysics, enabling the investigation of ontogenesis and functional development