Differences in the brain stem terminations of large- and small-diameter vestibular primary afferents

1. We visualized the central axons of 32 vestibular afferents from the posterior canal by extracellular application of horseradish peroxidase, reconstructed them in three dimensions, and quantified their morphology. Here we compare the descending limbs of central axons that differ in parent axon diameter. 2. The brain stem distribution of descending limb terminals (collaterals and associated varicosities) varies systematically with parent axon diameter. Large-diameter afferents concentrate their terminals in rostral regions of the medial/descending nuclei. As axon diameter decreases, there is a significant shift of terminal concentration toward the caudal vestibular complex and adjacent brain stem. 3. Rostral and caudal regions of the medial/descending nuclei have different labyrinthine, cerebellar, intrinsic, commissural, and spinal connections; they are believed to play different roles in head movement control. Our data help clarify the functions of large- and small-diameter afferents by showing that they contribute differentially to rostral and caudal vestibular complex.