The inferior colliculi are the lower pair of bumps on the back of the midbrain and are an obligatory stop for almost all ascending auditory pathways. They combine input from both ears to work out where a sound comes from, then pass the signal to the medial geniculate nucleus of the thalamus.
| Location | Dorsal midbrain, lower pair of the corpora quadrigemina, just above the exit of the trochlear nerves |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections | |
| Blood Supply | Superior cerebellar artery; Collicular (quadrigeminal) artery |
Integrates auditory information from both ears to locate sounds, analyses pitch and timing, and triggers startle and orienting responses to sound.
Wave V of the auditory brainstem response arises near the lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus, so this test can detect brainstem auditory pathway damage. Isolated lesions are rare but can cause difficulty localising sounds or understanding speech in noise. Hyperactivity in the inferior colliculus is implicated in tinnitus.
Impaired sound localisation and speech discrimination after damage to the inferior colliculus or lateral lemniscus, with near-normal hearing thresholds.
Ringing or buzzing in the ears associated with abnormal increased activity in central auditory centres including the inferior colliculus.
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