Central Auditory Pathways

Question 1

What forms the start of the afferent auditory pathway?

Answer 1

CN VIII

Question 2

After CNVIII bifurcates in the brainstem how do the branches end?

Answer 2

1) anteroventral cochlear nucleus

2) posteroventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei

Question 3

From brainstem nuclei, what do the CN axons do after crossing dorsally?

Answer 3

Join the output of the superior olivary nucleus to ascend in the lateral lemniscus

Question 4

From the brainstem nuclei, what is the course of CNVIII axons if they pass ventrally?

Answer 4

Pass through trapeziod body and terminate in either superior olive

Question 5

What is the role of the superior olive in the auditory pathway?

Answer 5

The lowest site in the auditory pathway where neurones are influenced by inputs from both ears

Question 6

What are the 2 main subdivisions of the superior olive?

Answer 6

Medial superior olive

Lateral superior olove

Question 7

What comprises the medial superior olive?

Answer 7

Bipolar neurones whose

• lateral dendrites receive input from ipsilateral ear
• medial dendrites receive input from contralateral ear