Parallel nonlinear neuronal channels: The generalized steady-state analysis

The transfer characteristics of a system consisting of a collection of nonlinear subsystems having the same structure but with different parameters and acting in parallel is analyzed under steady state conditions. It is shown that the amount of linearization or delinearization obtained by such a system is a function of the nonlinearity of the individual subsystem and of the type of intersubsystem parameter distribution. This is demonstrated specifically in the neuromuscular system where the parallel muscle spindle feedback elements and motor unit arrangements provide a linearization mechanism.