Functional representation of eye movements in the flocculus of monkeys (Macaca fuscata)

Neurosci Lett. 1984 Aug 24;49(1-2):199-205. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(84)90160-5.

Abstract

The flocculus of the monkey was mapped with microstimulation methods in chronic preparations. Three types of low threshold, disconjugate eye movements were elicited: (1) a lateral deviation of the ipsilateral eye, (2) a downward deviation of the ipsilateral eye and (3) counterclockwise rotation of the ipsilateral eye. Horizontal eye movements were obtained from folia 2, 3, 4 and 6-10 of the flocculus, and the region eliciting horizontal eye movements was traced in the sagittal plane over a distance of 4 mm in one animal. However, sites flanking these horizontal movement sites produced either vertical movements, rotatory movements or failed to produce a movement of either eye. These findings suggest a zonal organization of flocculus functions in monkeys that is consistent with the differential projections of flocculo-vestibular connections revealed by retrograde tracing studies [2].

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Mapping
  • Cerebellar Cortex / physiology*
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Eye Movements*
  • Macaca
  • Rabbits