Topic: superior olivary complex

Globular bushy cells in the cochlear nucleus of the auditory brainstem circuit are responsible for the fast relay of signals to the superior olivary complex. Their axons possess a low internode length/axon diameter ratio (L/D) of ~60 that allow action potentials to travel along their axons with exceptional speed and precision. We investigate how the unusual myelination pattern develops. Recently, we showed that the internode length is determined early in development followed – after hearing onset - by an increase in axon diameter, which causes the L/D ratio to decrease. Additionally, we found

The giant synaptic terminals play an important role transmitting information with exquisite precision and speed. The thalamus, an important center for the integration and relay of sensory information, is the brain region innervated by more giant terminals. These giant terminals act like drivers, delivering primary sensory information from the somatosensory, visual and auditory pathways. In the auditory thalamus, the drivers arise from the inferior colliculus. Surprisingly, we have observed a population of giant synaptic terminals in the auditory thalamus arising from the medial superior olive