A&P Review The Auditory Nerve and Central Pathways

That part of the central auditory pathway found in the midbrain

Inferior colliculus

The VIIIth cranial nerve

Auditory Nerve

Anatomical arrangement according to the best frequency of stimulation

Tonotopicity

The area of the brain receiving fibers from the ipsilateral cochlea by way of the VIIIth cranial nerve

Cochlear nucleus

Part of the auditory pathway receiving fibers from the cochlear nucleus

Superior olivary complex

The superior temporal gyrus of the brain

Heschl’s gyrus

The part of the brain above the pons and medulla that is responsible for equilibrium

Cerebellum

The crossing over of nerve fibers from one side of the brain to the other

Decussation

The passage from the inner ear to the brain stem containing the two branches of the VIIIth nerve, facial nerve, and internal auditory artery

Internal auditory canal

The portion of the auditory pathway running from the cochlear nucleus to the inferior colliculus and medial geniculate body

Lateral lemniscus

Within the brain stem

Intra-axial

The area in the brain base that communicates with the cortex

Thalamus

The last subcortical relay station, found in the thalamus

Medial geniculate body

The junction at the base of the brain where the cerebellum, medulla, and pons communicate

Cerebellopontine angle

Outside of the brain stem

Extra-axial

Specialized nerve fibers that connect the hemispheres of the brain

Commissure