Which one of the following statements about the vestibulo-ocular reflex is correct?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) produces slow compensatory eye movements in the direction opposite to head rotation so gaze remains stable.

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Semicircular canals detect angular (rotatory) acceleration via the crista ampullaris in each ampulla; the utricle/saccule contain maculae that detect linear acceleration and head tilt.  
- A leftward head rotation excites the left horizontal semicircular canal and increases firing in the left vestibular nerve.  
- Vestibular nuclei in the brainstem project to the ocular motor nuclei: ipsilateral vestibular nucleus excites the contralateral abducens nucleus, which activates the contralateral lateral rectus and via interneurons (MLF) the ipsilateral oculomotor nucleus to contract the ipsilateral medial rectus.  
- The VOR’s slow phase is compensatory (opposite head movement); the fast phase of nystagmus is a saccadic reset in the same direction as the head turn.

2) Step-by-step reasoning
- Head rotates left → left horizontal canal hair cells depolarize → increased left vestibular nerve firing.  
- Left vestibular nucleus sends excitatory signals to the right abducens nucleus.  
- Right abducens activates right lateral rectus and via internuclear neurons the left medial rectus, producing conjugate eye movement to the right.  
- This rightward eye movement is the compensatory (slow) VOR that keeps visual fixation stable during left head rotation.

3) Calculations
- No numerical calculations required; the logic is neuronal pathway mapping.

4) Why the correct answer is correct
- Option e states rotation of the head to the left causes the eyes to look to the right — this matches the physiological VOR direction (compensatory slow phase).

5) Why other options are incorrect
- a: Incorrect — rotation is detected by cristae in semicircular canals, not maculae.  
- b: Incorrect — VOR uses brainstem vestibular and ocular motor nuclei, not thalamic relays.  
- c: Incorrect — VOR corresponds to the slow compensatory phase; the fast phase is the saccadic component of nystagmus.  
- d: Incorrect — leftward rotation excites the left vestibular nerve, not the right.

6) Conclusion
- Therefore the correct statement is e, confirming the provided answer.

Which one of the following statements about the vestibulo-ocular reflex is correct?Single choice

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