Commissure of inferior colliculus

Commissure of Inferior Colliculus is a neural structure located in the midbrain that plays a crucial role in the auditory system of mammals, including humans. It is part of the inferior colliculus, which itself is a principal midbrain nucleus of the auditory pathway and receives input from various brainstem sources. The commissure of the inferior colliculus serves as a critical site for the integration and processing of auditory information.

Structure

The commissure of the inferior colliculus is situated at the dorsal aspect of the midbrain, connecting the two inferior colliculi at their posterior ends. This structure allows for the cross-communication between the left and right sides of the auditory system. The inferior colliculi, and by extension their commissure, are located beneath the superior colliculi, which are involved in visual processing.

Function

The primary function of the commissure of the inferior colliculus is to facilitate binaural hearing, which is the ability to localize sound sources in the environment. It achieves this by integrating auditory signals received from both ears. This integration allows for the comparison and analysis of sound signals, such as their timing and intensity differences, which are crucial for sound localization and spatial awareness.

Clinical Significance

Damage or lesions to the commissure of the inferior colliculus can lead to difficulties in sound localization and processing. This can affect an individual's ability to understand speech in noisy environments and may contribute to certain types of hearing loss. Research into the commissure of the inferior colliculus and its connections could provide insights into treatments for auditory processing disorders.

Related Structures

• Inferior colliculus
• Superior colliculus
• Auditory system
• Midbrain

See Also

• Binaural hearing
• Auditory processing disorder