Superior Olivary Complex and Nuclei of the Lateral Lemniscus

Abstract The superior olivary complex (SOC) is a cluster of auditory nuclei located in the brainstem of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. It shows considerable variation among species with respect to both position within the brainstem and cytoarchitecture. The SOC receives bilateral ascending input from the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) and descending input from the ipsilateral inferior colliculus (IC). Its principal projections are to the IC, lemniscal nuclei, cochlear nucleus (CN), and cochlea. The main functions of the SOC include sound localization, control of the organ of Cortivia the olivocochlear system, and noise protection via the acoustic middle ear reflex circuitry.