The physiological functions of the vestibular apparatus
Ianov, I.K.; Gerasimov, K.V.
Vestnik Otorinolaringologii 1: 13-16
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4668 PMID: 8714043 Document Number: 460357
Physiological functions of the vestibular apparatus were considered in terms of functional systems, permanent physiological activity and robot theories. A working hypothesis is assumed on vestibular receptor as a sensory detector of some functional systems of the body which enables creation of the internal coordinate system together with proprioreceptors of ocular, cervical, trunk and limb muscles, articular and tendinous receptors for adequate spacial perception via ocular and tactile analyzers; extrapolation of somatic responses. Vestibular reactions in disease and experiment are believed to be systemic responses primarily of functional and oculomotor systems. Isolation of vestibular afferentation from the total afferent flow is impossible already at the level of vestibular nuclei. Perspectives of further usage of rotatory and caloric tests for investigation of vestibular function are outlined.