Nucleon structure functions at moderate Q²: Relativistic constituent quarks and spectator mass spectrum

We present a model description of the nucleon valence structure function applicable over the entire region of the Bjorken variable x, and above moderate values of Q² (∼ 1 GeV²). We stress the importance of describing the complete spectrum of intermediate states which are spectator to the deep-inelastic collision. At a scale of 1 GeV² the relevant degrees of freedom are constituent quarks and pions. The large-x region is then described in terms of scattering from constituent quarks in the nucleon, while the dressing of constituent quarks by pions plays an important role at intermediate x values. The correct small-x behavior, which is necessary for the proper normalization of the valence distributions, is guaranteed by modeling the asymptotic spectator mass spectrum according to Regge phenomenology.