The superior olivary complex is generally located in the pons, but in humans extends from the rostral medulla to the mid-pons and receives projections predominantly from the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) via the trapezoid body, although the posteroventral nucleus projects to the SOC via the intermediate ...

How many superior olivary complex are there?

There are three major SOC nuclei in most mammals studied: the lateral superior olivary nucleus (LSO), the medial superior olivary nucleus (MSO), and the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB).

What is the purpose of superior olivary complex?

The superior olivary complex (SOC) is a group of auditory nuclei in the brainstem of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. One major function of the SOC is to encode the cues that contribute to sound lateralization on the basis of convergent binaural ascending inputs arising from both ventral cochlear nuclei.