The inferior colliculi are two small, rounded structures located in the midbrain, part of the brainstem. They play a crucial role in the auditory pathway, processing sound information received from the ears before it is sent to the thalamus and then to the auditory cortex. These structures are involved in reflexive responses to sound, such as turning the head toward a noise. The inferior colliculi also help in integrating auditory information with other sensory inputs, contributing to spatial awareness and the ability to locate sounds in the environment.