Inferior Colliculi

Synonyms

Nuclei of the inferior colliculi

Definition

Surface feature of the caudal-most pair of nuclear masses on the posterior surface (tectum) of the midbrain (mesencephalon).

Current Knowledge

Together with the superior colliculi, which lie directly above, the inferior colliculi make up the corpora quadrigemina. The nuclei of the inferior colliculiare primarily concerned with auditory information. They receive extensive input from the lateral lemniscus, which carries auditory fibers from the superior olivary nuclei and the cochlear nuclei. Both of these latter nuclei receive direct input from the auditory system. In addition to sending fibers to the medial geniculates (the auditory integration and relay nuclei of the thalamus) via the inferior brachium of the inferior colliculus, each nucleus of the inferior colliculus has connections with the nucleus on the opposite side and to the superior colliculi. The roles of the inferior colliculi are not fully understood, but they are...