The Intrinsic Organization of the Cochlear Nuclei in the Cat

Abstract

In the cochlear nuclei nine different cell types are distinguished on the basis of Nissl preparations. Only three of these cell types are presented here. The large and small spherical cells are innervated from the ascending cochlear branches by means of typical bulbs of Held. The former cell group is apparently supplied only from the apical and middle part of the cochlea and projects bilaterally on the medial superior olive, while the latter group seems to be supplied from the entire cochlea and projects on the lateral superior olive on the same side. The octopus cells are innervated from the descending cochlear branches by means of small ring-shaped boutons. The axons of these cells run in the intermediate acoustic stria and terminate probably in the retroolivary and medial preolivary nuclei on both sides. The function of the three types of cells is discussed.