Single unit activity in the dorsal cochlear nucleus of the cat.

Single unit activity was examined in three component layers of the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN): the molecular layer, the fusiform cell layer, and the polymorphic layer (deep DCN). Electrophysiological units were classified into types on the basis of their activity under a variety of stimulus conditions. In the molecular layer spike activity was small and difficult to isolate. Almost all units in the fusiform cell layer could be classified as either "pauser" or "buildup" units. Classification of units in the deep DCN was sometimes difficult, but "pauser," "chopper," and some "on" units were found. The "on" types of units tended to be located in the more superficial part of the deep DCN. Unit locations were referred to a three-dimensional block model of the cochlear nucleus.