The accessory optic system in the newt, Triturus cristatus: unitary response properties from the basal optic neuropil

Recordings from the basal optic neuropil (BON) demonstrated directional sensitivity. These directional sensitivities were different in different units, however, most of them displayed a strong vertical component. Inhibition in the non-preferred direction did not occur, only a lower activation than in the preferred direction was found. The identified velocity functions correlate well with the velocity dependence of the nystagmus frequency demonstrated in the behavior. The units responded well to moving large-area stimuli and exhibited horizontally elongated receptive fields with diameters up to 120 degrees. Additionally, bimodal recordings were observed in the BON which were probably due to input from the otoliths. As the recordings are likely to be presynaptic, the BON receives types of input which establish its function in the control of visuomotor behavior.