The superior olivary complex is generally located in the pons, but in humans extends from the rostral medulla to the mid-pons[1] and receives projections predominantly from the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) via the trapezoid body, although the posteroventral nucleus projects to the SOC via the intermediate acoustic stria.

The fusiform cells of the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN), which are thought to contribute to localization in elevation, bypass the SOC and project directly to the inferior colliculus.

Only horizontal data is present, but it does come from two different ear sources, which aids in the localizing of sound on the azimuth axis.

Traveling around the head takes about 700 μs, and the medial superior olive is able to distinguish time differences much smaller than this.

[5] The projections of the medial superior olive terminate densely in the ipsilateral central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CNIC).

Either of these two inputs could provide the basis for ipsilateral inhibition seen in response maps flanking the primary excitation, sharpening the unit's frequency tuning.

Additional projection targets include the dorsal and ventral nuclei of the lateral lemniscus (DNLL & VNLL).

These converging excitatory and inhibitory connections may act to decrease the level dependence of ILD sensitivity in the ICC compared to the LSO.

[16] In the guinea pig, ascending projections to the inferior colliculi are primarily ipsilateral (>80%), with the largest single source coming from the SPON.