Reflex Vestibulospinal

Reflexes of the vestibular labyrinth. Wernicke–Magendie reflex

1. The essence of the reflex. Occurs when the stellate ganglion is irritated. When the third neuron (VIII pair of cranial nerves, vestibular nerve) is irritated, nystagmus occurs (from the Latin nystagmus - oscillation).

2. Localization of the area of ​​the brain stem where the impulse for the reflex act occurs: optic radiance.

3. Section of the pyramidal tract through which the impulse is carried out to the muscle: abducens.

4. The main elements of the reflex (the reflex action is made up of them): a) afferent pathways: VIII pair of cranial nerves; b) precentral gyrus; c) central pathway: nucleus of the abducens nerve; white matter of the parietal lobe; red nucleus in the brain stem; d) efferent central pathway (to the abducens nuclei): lower part of the internal capsule; outer part of the corticonuclear tract

Vestibulospinal reflex: a mechanism for maintaining balance

The vestibulospinal reflex, also known as the deviation response, is an important mechanism for maintaining balance and coordination of human movements. It plays a key role in responding to changes in the position and orientation of the body in space.

The vestibular apparatus, located inside the inner ear, plays a major role in the functioning of the vestibulospinal reflex. It consists of the semicircular canals, which detect changes in rotational movement of the head, and the saccula and utrecula, which monitor changes in linear movement and gravity.

When there is a change in the position of the head or body, the receptors of the vestibular apparatus register these changes and transmit signals along nerve fibers to the central nervous system. Neurons in the central nervous system process these signals and activate the corresponding muscles to compensate for changes and maintain balance.

The vestibulospinal reflex manifests itself in the form of movements of the body or limbs aimed at compensating for changes in position. For example, when the head leans forward, the vestibular system registers this change and activates the back muscles to return the head to an upright position. This reflex can also cause the body to tilt in the opposite direction to maintain balance.

The vestibulospinal reflex works in close connection with other reflexes and systems of the body, including the visual and proprioceptive systems. Together they provide precise and effective responses to changes in position and movement, allowing a person to maintain balance even in difficult conditions.

In addition to its role in maintaining balance, the vestibulospinal reflex is also of significant importance for the coordination of movements. It helps control eye movements and is involved in maintaining body posture and stability during walking and other motor activities.

Vestibular disorders

The vestibulospinal reflex is the body’s reaction to a change in the position of the body in space, caused by irritation of the vestibular apparatus. It manifests itself in the deviation of the body in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the head. The vestibular apparatus is located in the pyramids of the temporal bones and the sacs of the pyramids (pocket apparatus), connected to the semicircular ducts of the inner ear. Irritation of the sensory organ provokes a person to fall and sharply move his arms to the side. Violation of the vestibular reflexes in a person causes him to fall vertically. When the sensations when turning the head disappear, the patient falls into a vertical position. Correct