MIDBRAIN AUDITORY MECHANISMS IN CATS

Abstract

Questions of bilateral auditory projections, direct connections from superior olivary nucleus to medial geniculate, contribution of commissural fibers and reflex value of the midbrain were examined by recording the response of the midbrain to click stimulation. It was found (1) that the functional contributions of homo- and contralateral ears to midbrain response are nearly equal, the contralateral being slightly greater; (2) there is a substantial amt. of conduction direct from superior olive to medial geniculate; (3) the inferior colliculus discharges through the superior colliculus and is an important center for auditory integration.