Definition of Trapezoid body
The trapezoid body or ventral acoustic stria is a structure in the pontine tegmentum formed by the crossing-over (decussation) of a portion of the efferent second-order fibers of the ventral cochlear nucleus (anterior cochlear nucleus). After decussating, some of these fibres proceed to ascend in the contralateral lateral lemniscus to reach and terminate in the dorsal nucleus of lateral lemniscus, and inferior colliculus.
The trapezoid body is part of the auditory pathway. It is one of three distinct decussating second-order efferent fiber pathways of the cochlear nuclei (the other two being the dorsal acoustic striae, and intermediate acoustic striae). Not all efferents of the cochlear nuclei decussate though; the partial decussation of the cochear nuclei afferents is thought to be functionally important for sound localization.
Terms mentioned above
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Frequently asked questions
What is Trapezoid body?
The trapezoid body or ventral acoustic stria is a structure in the pontine tegmentum formed by the crossing-over (decussation) of a portion of the efferent second-order fibers of the ventral cochlear nucleus (anterior cochlear nucleus).
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Trapezoid body – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Henry Vandyke Carter – Public domain