HES 319 Lecture Notes - Nystagmus, Vestibular System, Brainstem
Document Summary
Mode of sensation is transmitted by design of receptor. Intensity of stimulus is transmitted by firing rate of action potentials. Duration of stimulus is transmitted via rapidly and slowly adapting receptors. Rapidly fire when intensity of stimulus is changing. Senses stretch change in length of muscle. Visual signals are transmitted from the retina to the visual area of the thalamus. Different cell populations are responsible for interpreting form and motion. Visual information is transmitted to other areas of the cortex and integrated with other sensory signals. Vestibular afferents provide information to the cns about linear and angular acceleration of the head. The hair cells detect movement of surrounding fluid. Complex patterns of sensory information are transmitted via the eighth cranial nerve and integrated in the cerebellum and other sensory areas. Vestibulo-ocular reflexes enable constant eye positions during head movements. Vestibulo-spinal reflexes are important to maintain vertical posture. Information from vestibular apparatus brain-stem area that controls spinal muscles.
