olive

anatomy
Also known as: olivary complex, superior olivary complex

Learn about this topic in these articles:

function in hearing

  • human ear
    In human ear: Ascending pathways

    …the cells of the superior olivary complex, whereas others make connection with the olivary cells of the same side. Together, these fibres form the trapezoid body. Fibres from the dorsal cochlear nucleus cross the midline to end on the cells of the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus. There they are…

    Read More
  • human ear
    In human ear: Descending pathways

    From the superior olivary complex, a region in the medulla oblongata, there arises also a fibre tract called the olivocochlear bundle. It constitutes an efferent system, or feedback loop, by which nerve impulses, thought to be inhibitory, reach the hair cells. This system, which uses acetylcholine as a…

    Read More