Superior olivary complex

Superior Olivary Complex

Diagram showing principal systems of association fibers in the cerebrum. (Superior olivary nucleus is not labeled, but region is visible.)

The Superior Olivary Complex (SOC) is a collection of brainstem nuclei that plays a crucial role in the processing of auditory information. It is primarily involved in the localization of sound sources, binaural hearing, and auditory reflexes. The SOC is part of the auditory system and is located in the pons, a part of the brainstem.

Anatomy

The Superior Olivary Complex is composed of several nuclei, including the lateral superior olive (LSO), medial superior olive (MSO), and medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). These nuclei are interconnected and work together to process auditory information.

Lateral Superior Olive

The Lateral Superior Olive is involved in the localization of sound sources. It receives input from both ears and compares the intensity of sounds to determine the direction of the sound source.

Medial Superior Olive

The Medial Superior Olive is responsible for detecting differences in the timing of sound arrival at each ear, a crucial factor in sound localization.

Medial Nucleus of the Trapezoid Body

The Medial Nucleus of the Trapezoid Body is involved in the processing of binaural auditory information. It receives input from the cochlear nucleus and sends inhibitory signals to the LSO.

Function

The Superior Olivary Complex plays a crucial role in the processing of auditory information. It is primarily involved in the localization of sound sources, binaural hearing, and auditory reflexes. The SOC also plays a role in the Auditory brainstem response (ABR), a measure of auditory brainstem function in response to auditory stimuli.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Superior Olivary Complex can result in a variety of auditory processing disorders, including difficulties with sound localization and binaural hearing. These disorders can significantly impact an individual's ability to navigate their environment and communicate effectively.