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Multiple topographically organized projections connect the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus to the ventral division of the medial geniculate nucleus in the gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Cant, NB; Benson, CG
Published in: J Comp Neurol
July 20, 2007

The ventral division of the medial geniculate nucleus (MGv) receives almost all of its ascending input from the ipsilateral central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CNIC). In a previous study (Cant and Benson [2006] J. Comp. Neurol. 495:511-528), we made injections of biotinylated dextran amine into the CNIC of the gerbil and demonstrated that it can be divided into two parts. One part (zone 1) receives almost all of its ascending input from the cochlear nuclei, the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus, and the main nuclei of the superior olivary complex; the other part (zone 2) receives inputs from the cochlear nuclei and nuclei of the lateral lemniscus but few or no inputs from the main olivary nuclei. Here we show that these two parts of the CNIC project differentially to the MGv. Axons labeled anterogradely by injections in zone 1 project throughout the rostral two-thirds of the MGv, whereas axons from zone 2 project to the caudal third of the MGv. Throughout much of their extent, the terminal fields do not appear to overlap, although both parts of the CNIC project to medial and dorsal parts of the MGv, and there may be overlap in the most ventral part as well. The results indicate that two parallel pathways arising in the CNIC remain largely separate in the medial geniculate nucleus of the gerbil. It seems most likely that the neurons in the two terminal zones in the MGv perform different functions in audition.

Duke Scholars

Published In

J Comp Neurol

DOI

ISSN

0021-9967

Publication Date

July 20, 2007

Volume

503

Issue

3

Start / End Page

432 / 453

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Nerve Fibers
  • Inferior Colliculi
  • Gerbillinae
  • Geniculate Bodies
  • Female
  • Auditory Pathways
  • Animals
  • 3209 Neurosciences
  • 3109 Zoology
 

Citation

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Journal cover image

Published In

J Comp Neurol

DOI

ISSN

0021-9967

Publication Date

July 20, 2007

Volume

503

Issue

3

Start / End Page

432 / 453

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Nerve Fibers
  • Inferior Colliculi
  • Gerbillinae
  • Geniculate Bodies
  • Female
  • Auditory Pathways
  • Animals
  • 3209 Neurosciences
  • 3109 Zoology