Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Investigating Object Representations in the Macaque Dorsal Visual Stream Using Single-unit Recordings
Published on: August 1, 2018
Different roles of flocculus and ventral paraflocculus for oculomotor control in the primate
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Responses of Purkinje cells were compared in the monkey flocculus and ventral paraflocculus. During vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) eye movements, flocculus Purkinje cells exhibited simple spike modulation related to head velocity, while ventral paraflocculus Purkinje cells exhibited modulation with no such head velocity preference. During smooth tracking of a sinusoidally moving small target, ventral paraflocculus Purkinje cells exhibited simple spike modulation related to target velocity or position, while the flocculus Purkinje cells exhibited a smaller modulation with no such target preference. Visual suppression of the VOR enhanced the simple spike responses in the ventral paraflocculus, but not in the flocculus. These results suggest that the primate flocculus and the ventral paraflocculus control differentially VOR and smooth pursuit eye movements, respectively.
Related Concept Videos
Muscles of the Eye
Extraocular Muscles
The six extraocular muscles surround the eyeball and control its movements. They are responsible for a wide range of eye motions, including looking up, down, left, right, and rotating...
Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Brainstem
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
Indirect Motor Pathways
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

