Lecture Notes: The Vestibular Ocular Reflex (VOR)
I. Importance of Steady Gaze
- Gaze stability is crucial for maintaining a clear visual picture during head movements.
- Gaze is determined by both head and eye orientation.
- The vestibular system plays a key role in keeping gaze steady.
II. The Vestibuloocular Reflex (VOR)
- The VOR is a reflex that keeps gaze stable during head movements.
- It acts very quickly due to the fast response time of the vestibular system.
- VOR dysfunction can cause the world to appear shaky during head movements.
III. Observing the VOR
- You can observe the VOR by focusing on your finger and shaking your head side-to-side. Your finger should remain in focus.
- Moving your finger back and forth will not activate the VOR as effectively, and your focus will be less stable.
IV. Importance of the VOR
- The VOR is essential because the visual system is too slow to react effectively to head movements.
- Without the VOR, our vision would be blurry during any head movement.
V. Example: Taking a Picture on a Boat
- Imagine trying to take a picture on a boat without the VOR. The swaying of the boat would constantly disrupt your aim.
VI. The VOR in Action
- During head movements, the VOR signals the eyes to move in the opposite direction to maintain a steady gaze.
VII. Next Steps
- The lecture will explore the neural circuitry of the VOR. Horizontal VOR