Superior Olivary Complex (SOC)

What is the Superior Olivary Complex (SOC)?

The superior olivary complex (SOC) is a group of nuclei located in the brainstem that are involved in hearing. It is the first auditory relay station after the cochlear nucleus, and it plays a role in sound localization, binaural hearing, and the perception of temporal aspects of sound.

The SOC is located in the pons, just below the medulla oblongata. It is composed of three main nuclei: the medial superior olivary nucleus (MSO), the lateral superior olivary nucleus (LSO), and the ventral superior olivary nucleus (VSO).

The MSO is involved in sound localization. It receives input from both ears and compares the timing of the signals from each ear. This information is used to determine the location of the sound source.

The LSO is involved in binaural hearing. It receives input from both ears and compares the intensity of the signals from each ear. This information is used to determine the direction of the sound source.

The VSO is involved in the perception of temporal aspects of sound. It receives input from both ears and compares the timing of the signals from each ear. This information is used to determine the duration of a sound and the spacing between sounds.

The SOC is a vital part of the auditory system. It plays a role in many aspects of hearing, including sound localization, binaural hearing, and the perception of temporal aspects of sound.

What is the function of the superior olivary complex?

The superior olivary complex (SOC) is involved in several aspects of hearing, including:

  • Sound localization: The SOC compares the timing of sound waves arriving at each ear to determine the location of the sound source.
  • Binaural hearing: The SOC compares the intensity of sound waves arriving at each ear to determine the direction of the sound source.
  • Perception of temporal aspects of sound: The SOC compares the timing of sound waves arriving at each ear to determine the duration of a sound and the spacing between sounds.

 

What is in superior olivary complex?

The superior olivary complex (SOC) is composed of three main nuclei:

  • The medial superior olivary nucleus (MSO) is involved in sound localization.
  • The lateral superior olivary nucleus (LSO) is involved in binaural hearing.
  • The ventral superior olivary nucleus (VSO) is involved in the perception of temporal aspects of sound.

What is the function of the superior olivary nucleus?

The superior olivary nucleus (SO) is a nucleus in the superior olivary complex (SOC) that is involved in sound localization. It receives input from both ears and compares the timing of the signals from each ear. This information is used to determine the location of the sound source.

Where is the superior olivary complex located?

The superior olivary complex (SOC) is located in the pons, just below the medulla oblongata. It is a group of nuclei that are involved in hearing.