Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Head Tilt-Translation Combinations Distinguished At The Level Of Neurons, Jan E. Holly, Sarah E. Pierce, Gin Mccollum

Gin McCollum

Angular and linear accelerations of the head occur throughout everyday life, whether from external forces such as in a vehicle or from volitional head movements. The relative timing of the angular and linear components of motion differs depending on the movement. The inner ear detects the angular and linear components with its semicircular canals and otolith organs, respectively, and secondary neurons in the vestibular nuclei receive input from these vestibular organs. Many secondary neurons receive both angular and linear input. Linear information alone does not distinguish between translational linear acceleration and angular tilt, with its gravity-induced change in the linear …