superior olivary complex (OLVscx)

The term superior olivary complex (OLVsx) refers to a combination of nuclei and regions in the ventral pontine tegmentum. Identified on the basis of histology, it is bounded ventrally by fibers of the trapezoid body (tpz) ( Carpenter-1983 ). It is composed of the superior olive (OLVs), the trapezoid nucleus, and the periolivary region( Amunts-2012 ). Functionally it is part of the subcortical auditory system ( Swanson-2004 ). Updated 24 Oct 2025.

Also known as: superior olivary complex, Regio olivaris superioris, superior olivary nucleus (Barr & Kiernan)

NeuroNames ID: 569

All Names & Sources
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Language
Name
Source
English
superior olivary complex
Bowden-1997
English
superior olivary complex
Carpenter-1983
English
superior olivary complex
Martin-1997
English
superior olivary nucleus (Barr & Kiernan)
Anthoney-1994
Illustrations

Showing 3 illustration(s)

Illustration thumbnail

labeled line drawings of
sagittal section in
Macaca fascicularis

Illustration thumbnail

multiple views of
3D reconstruction in
Macaca mulatta

Illustration thumbnail

Nissl stain & diagram of
sagittal section in
mouse

Species With The Structure
Equivalent By Human Macaque Rat Mouse
Topology Has The Structure Has The Structure Has The Structure Relevant Data Not Located
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Basis
Has Equivalent
Organism
Their Name
Source
Topology
Yes
Homo sapiens (human)
superior olivary complex
Carpenter-1983
Topology
Yes
Homo sapiens (human)
superior olivary nucleus (Barr & Kiernan)
Anthoney-1994
Topology
Yes
Macaca fascicularis (Macaca fascicularis)
superior olivary complex
Martin-1997
Topology
Yes
Rattus (rat)
superior olivary complex
Bowden-1997
Models Where It Appears
Structural CNS Model - Macaque

Brain structures of the macaque are illustrated in BrainInfo’s NeuroMaps macaque brain atlas. Structures are grouped by proximity in a hierarchy corresponding to the central nervous system hierarchy of NeuroNames ( Bowden-1995 Martin-2000 ). Structures in the NeuroMaps atlas are based on the segmentation of an MRI of the brain of a 3-year old male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). The atlas is most useful for targeting structures for implantating electrodes and chemtrodes. Updated 29 Oct 2025.

brain
forebrain
midbrain
hindbrain
metabrain (metencephalon)
pons
pontine tegmentum
pontine reticular formation
superior olivary complex
facial nerve fibers
locus ceruleus
abducens nucleus
facial nucleus
medial parabrachial nucleus
lateral parabrachial nucleus
motor nucleus of the trigeminal nerve
oral part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus
pontine raphe nucleus
dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus
principal sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve
ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus
superior medullary velum
mesencephalic tract of the trigeminal nerve
abducens nerve fibers
medial longitudinal fasciculus of the pons
central tegmental tract of the pons
dorsal acoustic stria
dorsal trigeminal tract
superior cerebellar peduncle of the pons
vestibulocochlear nerve fibers
trigeminal nerve fibers
motor root of the trigeminal nerve
lateral lemniscus
medial lemniscus of the pons
trapezoid body
decussation of the trochlear nerve
basal pons (basal part of the pons)
fourth ventricle
cerebellum
medulla
cisterna magna (cerebellomedullary cistern)
choroidal fissure
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