We carried out numerical simulations of a neural network model for a lateral belt area of auditory cortex. 
Contrary to these long-held views, here we show that single neurons in both primary (area A1) and lateral belt areas of the auditory cortex of awake marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) are capable of firing in a sustained manner over a prolonged period of time, especially when they are driven by their preferred stimuli.
Neurons in A1 and CM exhibited robust low-threshold short-latency responses to BBN and tones, whereas neurons in adjoining lateral belt areas were poorly responsive or unresponsive to tones and noise. The results indicated that, while A1 and CM represent anatomically and physiologically distinct areas, their response profiles under anesthesia overlapped considerably compared with the lateral belt areas.
Neurons in the lateral belt areas of rhesus monkey auditory cortex were stimulated with band-passed noise (BPN) bursts of different bandwidths and center frequencies. All 3 lateral belt areas were cochleotopically organized with their frequency gradients collinear to those of the adjacent STP areas.
Furthermore, primary auditory cortex (A1) has traditionally been described as mostly tone responsive and the lateral belt area of primates as mostly noise responsive.
Neurons in the lateral belt areas of the superior temporal gyrus were tuned to the best center frequency and bandwidth of band-passed noise bursts.
Neurons in the lateral belt areas (AL, ML, and CL) respond very selectively to bandpassed noise stimuli, to FM sounds of a certain rate and direction, as well as to certain classes of monkey calls.
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