Summary: Abstract During linear accelerations, compensatory re-
flexes should continually occur in order to maintain ob-
jects of visual interest as stable images on the retina. In
the present study, the three-dimensional organization of
the vestibulo-ocular reflex in pigeons was quantitatively
examined during linear accelerations produced by con-
stant velocity off-vertical axis yaw rotations and transla-
tional motion in darkness. With off-vertical axis rota-
tions, sinusoidally modulated eye-position and velocity
responses were observed in all three components, with
the vertical and torsional eye movements predominating
the response. Peak torsional and vertical eye positions
occurred when the head was oriented with the lateral vi-
sual axis of the right eye directed orthogonal to or
aligned with the gravity vector, respectively. No steady-
state horizontal nystagmus was obtained with any of the
rotational velocities (8­58°/s) tested. During translatio-
nal motion, delivered along or perpendicular to the later-
al visual axis, vertical and torsional eye movements were
elicited. No significant horizontal eye movements were

Source: Angelaki, Dora - Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University in St. Louis
Dickman, J. David - Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University in St. Louis

Collections: Biology and Medicine