Affiliations: [a] Neurological University Clinic, Freiburg, Germany | [b] Section Neurophysiology, University of Ulm, Germany
Note: [*] Reprint address: Dr. T. Mergner, Neurologische Klinik, Neurozentrum, Universitätsklinikum, Breisacher Str. 64, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany. Tel: +49-761-270-5313 (5306); Fax: +49-761-270-5310; E-mail: mergner@sun1.ruf.uni-freiburg.de.
Abstract: The article considers findings and concepts on vestibular-proprioceptive interaction for self-motion perception and postural control under the form of simple describing models. It points out that vestibular-neck interaction is only a small fraction of an extended mechanism of coordinate transformations. This links together the different parts of our bodies, so that sensory information arising in one part of the body can be used for perceptual or motor tasks in other parts. Particular emphasis is put on the problems that arise from imperfect signal transduction in the vestibular semicircular canal systems at low stimulus frequencies/velocities. Also, a “down-and-up-channeling” principle is suggested, by which the body support is linked via coordinate transformations to the internal notion of physical space provided by the vestibular system. Furthermore, the following question is addressed: how does the brain use visual input to overcome the vestibular deficiencies, at the risk of visual self-motion illusions? Finally, a conceptual model of postural control is presented in which a proprioceptive feedback that links the body to its support surface is merged with a loop for postural stabilization in space.
