Neck-vestibular interaction in the vestibular nuclei. A dynamic, two-dimensional study

In decerebrate cats we used response dynamics to classify neurons in Deiters' nucleus and the rostral descending nucleus as receiving input from vertical canals, otolith organs (utricle) or canal + otolith. Many of these neurons, particularly those with convergent vestibular input (canal + otolith, canal + canal) and preferred stimulus directions near roll, also received neck input. Neck and vestibular response vectors tended to point in opposite directions. Neck and vestibular response dynamics were often well matched, so that combined stimuli (head rotation) produced no response over a wide frequency range. In some cases differing dynamics produced an output that appeared to code head position.