Auditory Nerve and Central Auditory Pathways

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to the auditory nerve and central auditory pathways as discussed in the lecture.

Tonotopic Organization

The arrangement of auditory fibers and brain structures by frequency, with high frequencies at one end and low frequencies at the other.

Central Auditory Nervous System (CANS)

The system consisting of the auditory structures located within the central nervous system.

Brainstem Auditory Pathway

The pathway through which auditory information travels in the brainstem, including structures such as the medulla, pons, and midbrain.

Auditory Cortex

The region of the brain that processes auditory information, specifically located in the temporal lobe.

Medial Geniculate Body

A relay station for auditory information located at the level of the thalamus.

Broca’s Area

A region in the left hemisphere of the frontal lobe responsible for motor mechanisms of speech production.

Wernicke’s Area

A region in the left hemisphere associated with language comprehension and processing.

Corpus Callosum

The largest fiber tract in the primate brain, connecting the two cerebral hemispheres.

Ipsilateral

Referring to the same side of the body.

Contralateral

Referring to the opposite side of the body.

Gyri

Ridges on the cortical surface of the brain.

Sulci

Valleys or grooves on the cortical surface of the brain.

Fissure

A deep furrow, cleft, or slit in the brain structure.

Distal

Furthest from the center or origin.

Proximal

Closest to the center or origin.

Auditory Language Associational Cortex

Areas of the brain involved in auditory processing related to language, including Wernicke’s area.

Cochlear Nuclei

Nuclei located in the pons that are tonotopically arranged and process auditory information.