How does a mouse speak? - briefly
Mice communicate mainly via ultrasonic vocalizations, which are beyond human hearing, supplemented by audible squeaks and body gestures. These signals transmit emotional states, territorial information, and social cues.
How does a mouse speak? - in detail
Mice transmit information primarily through ultrasonic vocalizations, tactile signals, and olfactory cues.
Ultrasonic calls are produced by rapid vibration of the laryngeal muscles. The small size of the vocal cords enables frequencies between 30 kHz and 110 kHz, far above human hearing. These sounds are generated during social interactions such as mating, territorial disputes, and pup‑mother communication. Spectrographic analysis shows distinct patterns: short, broadband sweeps for alarm, longer, tonal whistles for courtship, and repetitive pulses for pup distress.
The respiratory system supplies the airflow needed for sound production. Inhalation triggers a brief closure of the glottis, building subglottal pressure; subsequent exhalation forces air through the narrowed glottis, creating the high‑frequency oscillations. Neural control originates in the periaqueductal gray and the nucleus retroambiguus, which coordinate motor neurons that modulate laryngeal tension and airflow rate.
Tactile communication relies on whisker (vibrissae) contact and body posture. Mice assess texture, pressure, and vibration through mechanoreceptors in the whisker follicles. Aggressive displays involve a raised dorsal hair coat, erect tail, and forward lunges, while submissive behavior is signaled by lowered posture and flattened ears.
Chemical signaling supplements acoustic and tactile channels. Urine, glandular secretions, and feces contain volatile compounds detected by the vomeronasal organ. These pheromones convey reproductive status, hierarchical rank, and territorial boundaries.
Integration of the three modalities occurs in the auditory cortex, somatosensory cortex, and amygdala, allowing rapid interpretation of conspecific signals. Behavioral experiments demonstrate that disrupting ultrasonic hearing impairs social cohesion, confirming the dominance of high‑frequency vocalizations in mouse communication.