Asymmetric tonic labyrinth reflexes and their interaction with neck reflexes in the decerebrate cat

Abstract

1. Tonic labyrinth and neck reflexes were studied separately and in combination in the decerebrate cat with C1 and C2 spinal roots cut. Reflex effects were observed as changes in length of the isotonically loaded medial head of triceps. 2. The tonic labyrinth reflexes acted asymmetrically on the medial head of triceps. Side-down rotation of the head produced shortening in medial triceps, whereas side-up rotations of the head resulted in a lengthening. 3. The tonic neck reflexes acted asymmetrically on the medial head of triceps. Side-down rotations of the neck produced a lengthening of medial triceps, whereas side-up rotations of the neck resulted in shortening. 4. Labyrinth and neck reflexes produce opposite effects on the same limb extensor muscle so that, if the neck innervation is intact, head tilting produces no change in muscle length. 5. It is suggested that the interaction between the labyrinth and neck reflexes contributes to the stability of the trunk, allowing the head to move freely on the body without affecting this stability. Labyrinth and neck reflexes need therefore to be considered together as a single system.