Anatomy
The DCN differs from the ventral portion of the CN as it not only projects to the central nucleus of the Inferior Colliculus (ICC) but also receives efferent innervation from auditory cortex, superior olivary complex and inferior colliculus. The architecture and wiring of the DCN is similar to that of the cerebellum, a concept that currently is important in theories of DCN function. Thus, the DCN is thought to be involved with more complex auditory processing, rather than merely transferring information.
The fusiform (also called pyramidal) and giant cells are the principal cells of the DCN. There is no known physiological difference between these two cell types. These cells are the target of two different input systems. The first system arises from the auditory nerve, and carries acoustic information. The second set of inputs is relayed through a set of small cells called "granule" cells in the cochlear nucleus. The granule cells in turn are the target of a number of different inputs, including both those involved in auditory processing and, at least in lower mammals, somatosensory inputs associated with the head, the ear, and the jaw.
Projections from DCN principal cells form the dorsal acoustic stria, which ultimately terminate in the ICC. This projection overlaps with that of the LSO in a well-defined manner, where they form the primary excitatory input for ICC type O units
Read more about this topic: Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus
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