In addition to the ascending auditory pathway, the superior olivary nucleus receives descending input from the primary auditory cortex as a form of feedback (eFig. 9.82). The superior olivary nucleus then sends descending olivocochlear fibers to the organ of Corti, which has an inhibitory function on the hair cells to prevent damage from harmfully loud sounds. It is also believed that the superior olivary nucleus has connections with the motor nuclei of the trigeminal and facial nerve to mediate reflexive contraction of the tensor tympani and stapedius muscles in response to loud sounds.