Neuroanatomy of the Auditory System

Abstract

The auditory system is complex and ordered. Afferent and efferent connections to inner and outer hair cells, intricate and specific organization of cochlear nuclei, several components and cell types in the superior olivary complex, and ascending and descending connections of inferior colliculi and medial geniculate bodies all demonstrate this intricacy. Tonotopic organization is maintained from the cochlea to the auditory cortex where sound comes to consciousness. This report reviews some of our current knowledge of the anatomical substrate of the auditory system.