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Related Concept Videos

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Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
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Auditory sensation, commonly called hearing, involves the transformation of sonic waves into neural impulses facilitated by the structures of the auditory organ. The prominent, flesh-like structure on the side of the head, called the auricle, directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. The auricle is often mislabeled as the pinna, a term more aligned with mobile structures like a feline's external ear. The auditory canal penetrates the cranium via the external auditory meatus of the...
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Nps-Expressing Neurons Receive Extensive Input From Auditory Brainstem Nuclei.

Richie Zhang1, Silvia Gasparini1, Joel C Geerling1

  • 1Department of Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.

The Journal of Comparative Neurology
|April 10, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Neurons expressing Nps receive significant auditory input, challenging previous understandings of their function in circadian rhythms and threat responses. This study reveals unexpected connections from the brainstem and cortex to these key neurons.

Keywords:
NPScochlear nucleusinferior colliculusneuropeptide Sparabrachial nucleusreticular formationsuperior olivary complex

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Data Acquisition and Analysis In Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry In Mice
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Auditory Neuroscience
  • Systems Neuroscience

Background:

  • Neurons expressing neurotensin (Nps) project to brain regions involved in circadian rhythm and threat detection.
  • The afferent control of Nps-expressing neurons remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the brain regions that provide input to Nps-expressing neurons.
  • To elucidate the role of auditory pathways in regulating Nps-expressing neurons.

Main Methods:

  • Used cholera toxin beta subunit (CTb) for retrograde tracing to identify general afferents to the Nps-neuron region.
  • Employed Cre-dependent rabies retrograde tracing in Nps-2A-Cre mice to specifically map inputs to Nps-expressing neurons.
  • Utilized anterograde labeling to investigate cortical projections.

Main Results:

  • Nps-expressing neurons receive substantial input from auditory brainstem nuclei, including the inferior colliculus and cochlear nucleus.
  • Discrepancies in labeling suggested potential cortical inputs.
  • Anterograde tracing confirmed close contacts between cortical boutons and Nps-expressing neurons.

Conclusions:

  • Auditory information plays a significant, previously unrecognized role in controlling Nps-expressing neurons.
  • These findings expand our understanding of how sensory information influences neurons involved in circadian and threat responses.
  • Rabies virus may be less sensitive to retrograde labeling of cortical afferents compared to other tracers.