What is the superior olivary nucleus?

The superior olivary nuclei (or complex, SOC) are a group of nuclei within the pons contributing to the ascending and descending auditory pathways. …

What is the function of superior olivary nucleus?

The superior olivary nucleus consists of the lateral superior olive and medial superior olive, as well as a number of surrounding nuclei known as the periolivary nuclei. The superior olivary nuclei are thought to be involved in hearing, and specifically with identifying the location of sounds.

What happens in the superior olivary complex?

The superior olivary complex (SOC) is a group of auditory nuclei in the brainstem of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. One major function of the SOC is to encode the cues that contribute to sound lateralization on the basis of convergent binaural ascending inputs arising from both ventral cochlear nuclei.

How many superior olivary complex are there?

There are three major SOC nuclei in most mammals studied: the lateral superior olivary nucleus (LSO), the medial superior olivary nucleus (MSO), and the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB).

Where is the superior olivary complex located in the body?

The superior olivary complex (or SOC or superior olive) is a small mass of gray substance situated on the dorsal surface of the lateral part of the trapezoid body. Small in humans, but well developed in certain animals, it exhibits similar structure as the inferior olivary nucleus, and is situated immediately above it.

Is the superior olivary complex part of the auditory system?

[edit on Wikidata] The superior olivary complex (or SOC or superior olive) is a collection of brainstem nuclei that functions in multiple aspects of hearing and is an important component of the ascending and descending auditory pathways of the auditory system.

Where is the LSO located in the olivary complex?

The lateral superior olivary nucleus (LSO), located lateral to the MSO, is less distinct. The trapezoid body is a bundle of myelinated fibers passing anterior to the superior olivary complex and intermingling with fibers of the medial lemniscus as it crosses the midline ( Figs. 21.9B and 21.11 ).

How is the superior olivary nucleus related to the CN?

A, Diagrammatic representation of pathways that enable cells in the medial superior olivary nucleus (MSO) to encode microsecond differences in time of arrival of sounds at each ear. When excitatory signals from the ipsilateral and contralateral anterior cochlear nucleus (CN) to the MSO coincide in time, MSO firing increases.