How does mouse ultrasound sound? - briefly
Mouse ultrasound consists of high‑frequency clicks and chirps typically ranging from 30 kHz to 110 kHz, well above the human audible range. These vocalizations serve communication, navigation, and predator‑avoidance functions.
How does mouse ultrasound sound? - in detail
Mouse ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are brief, high‑frequency sounds produced by Mus musculus during social interaction, distress, and mating. The acoustic structure of these calls spans approximately 30 kHz to 110 kHz, with most energy concentrated between 50 kHz and 80 kHz. Peak frequencies often exceed the upper limit of human hearing, requiring specialized recording equipment such as condenser microphones with flat response up to 150 kHz and sampling rates of at least 250 kHz to capture full spectra.
Temporal features include call durations of 5–150 ms, inter‑call intervals ranging from 10 ms to several seconds, and complex patterns such as frequency sweeps, jumps, and harmonics. Typical call types are:
- Simple upward or downward sweeps («frequency-modulated»)
- Flat tones with stable frequency («tone»)
- Complex multi‑component calls («complex»)
Physiological generation of USVs involves rapid airflow through the laryngeal folds, modulated by tension and subglottal pressure. Neurological control resides in brain regions including the periaqueductal gray, limbic structures, and motor cortex, which coordinate vocal output according to behavioral context.
Environmental factors influence acoustic parameters. Ambient temperature alters air density, shifting frequency slightly upward at higher temperatures. Background noise can induce amplitude modulation, prompting mice to adjust call intensity to maintain signal transmission.
Research applications exploit USVs as biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders, drug effects, and genetic modifications. Quantitative analysis employs spectrographic software to extract frequency, duration, and entropy metrics, enabling statistical comparison across experimental groups.
In summary, mouse ultrasound consists of high‑frequency, short‑duration vocalizations with distinct spectral shapes, generated by laryngeal mechanisms under central nervous system regulation, and modulated by physiological and environmental variables.