Physiology of Olivocochlear Efferents

Abstract

Olivocochlear efferent neurons originate in the brain stem and terminate in the organ of Corti, thereby allowing the central nervous system to influence the operation of the cochlea. This chapter reviews the physiology and possible functional utility of mammalian cochlear efferents. Efferent physiology in a few other hair cell systems is also reviewed for the insight provided into mammalian efferent physiology. First a historical overview is presented, and then specific topics are considered in detail.