A thalamic relay nucleus receives fibres from the inferior colliculus via the brachium of the inferior colliculus and projects to the primary auditory cortex in the transverse temporal gyrus. Which nucleus is described?
- A Lateral geniculate body
- B Medial geniculate body ✓
- C Ventral posteromedial nucleus
- D Pulvinar
Correct answer: B. Medial geniculate body
Explanation
The medial geniculate body is the thalamic relay for audition, receiving auditory fibres that ascend in the lateral lemniscus and terminate in the inferior colliculus, then travel via its brachium, and projecting through the auditory radiation to Heschl gyrus. The lateral geniculate body relays vision, and the ventral posteromedial nucleus relays facial somatic sensation and taste, so both are anatomically adjacent but functionally distinct distractors.
Reference: Snell's Clinical Neuroanatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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