opto-kinetic movements
keeps the visual image fixed by moving the eyes when the head moves
vestibulo-ocular movements = use vestibular input (semi-circular canals) to hold images stable on the retina during brief or rapid head rotation, i.e. it changes the head velocity signal into an eye velocity signal
opto-kinetic movements = the same for slower movements
stabilizing the fovea using the vestibular system is faster than waiting for information from the visual system
the gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (how much to move the eyes in relation to the head) is modifiably by experience
affected by damage to cerebellar flocculus or inferior olivary nucleus
see http://thalamus.wustl.edu/course/audvest.html
if you move your head to the left
excite the left horizontal canal
inhibit the right horizontal canal
to keep your eyes fixed on the same point
fire the right lateral rectus and the left medial rectus
to move the eyes to the right
pathway
semi-circular canals -> vestibular nerve???
vestibular nerve -> vestibular nucleus in brainstem
left horizontal canal
and inhibit the opposing muscles
right horizontal canal is inhibited, so doesn't send any signals
medial longitudinal fasciculus is important, apparently