ADAPTATION TO VESTIBULAR DISORIENTATION. XI. THE INFLUENCE OF SPECIFIC AND NON-SPECIFIC GRAVI-RECEPTORS ON NYSTAGMIC RESPONSES TO ANGULAR ACCELERATION,
Abstract
Data from several recent experiments indicate that the otoliths (detectors of linear acceleration) may exert regulatory effects on responses of the semicircular canals (detectors of angular acceleration). This study was designed to explore further this notion. Horizontal ocular nystagmus from restrained birds was habituated in a directionally specific fashion by means of repeated angular accelerations. Substantial response recovery was evident following 2 weeks of rest. Vertical nystagmus was similarly habituated in a separate group of birds. The reduction of the latter response was obtained with the birds positioned so that vertical semicircular canals were in the plane of rotation. By changing the position of the birds 180 degrees after the habituation trials, the same set of canals could be stimulated but with the otoliths and other gravi-receptors oriented differently. Habituation was specific for the direction of nystagmus repeatedly elicited and for the head and body position maintained during habituation trials. A dynamic interaction between gravi-receptors and the semicircular canals is suggested as a possible feature of nystagmic habitation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0704471
Entities
People
- Billy P. Updegraff
- William E. Collins
Organizations
- Civil Aeromedical Institute