Final answer:
From the cochlea, the inferior colliculus and medial geniculate nucleus of the thalamus are key subcortical structures involved in processing auditory signals. The inferior colliculus projects auditory information to both the thalamus and superior colliculus for further processing and sound localization.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the cochlea, certain subcortical structures that are interacted with are the inferior colliculus and the medial geniculate nucleus of the thalamus. The inferior colliculus, a nucleus in the midbrain, receives auditory signals from the cochlea and sends projections to two primary locations: the thalamus and the superior colliculus. Specifically, the medial geniculate nucleus within the thalamus receives the auditory information and projects it to the auditory cortex in the temporal lobe, thus playing a crucial role in the processing of auditory information. Additionally, the superior colliculus, a paired structure at the top of the midbrain, integrates visual, somatosensory, and auditory inputs to initiate responses such as turning the head and neck towards sounds, thus contributing to sound localization.