medial geniculate nucleus
The medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) is a part of the thalamus in the brain, specifically involved in auditory processing. It acts as a relay station, receiving sound information from the cochlea and transmitting it to the auditory cortex. This structure plays a crucial role in how we perceive and interpret sounds.
The MGN is divided into three main regions: the ventral, medial, and dorsal nuclei. Each region processes different aspects of sound, such as frequency and intensity. By integrating this information, the MGN helps the brain understand complex auditory signals, contributing to our ability to recognize speech and music.