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Evolution of the vestibulo-ocular systemThe evolutionary and developmental changes in the eye muscle innervation, the inner ear, and the vestibulo-ocular reflex are examined. Three eye muscle patterns, based on the innervation by distinct ocular motoneurons populations, can be identified: a lamprey, an elasmobranch, and a bony fish/tetrapod pattern. Four distinct patterns of variation in the vestibular system are described: a hagfish pattern, a lamprey pattern, an elasmobranch pattern, and a bony fish/tetrapod pattern. Developmental data suggest an influence of the hindbrain on ear pattern formation, thus potentially allowing a concomitant change of eye muscle innervation and ear variation. The connections between the ear and the vestibular nuclei and between the vestibular nuclei and ocular motoneurons are reviewed, and the role of neurotrophins for pattern specification is discussed. Three patterns are recognized in central projections: a hagfish pattern, a lamprey pattern, and a pattern for jawed vertebrates. Second-order connections show both similarities and differences between distantly related species such as lampreys and mammals. For example, elasmobranchs lack an internuclear system, which is at best poorly developed in lampreys. It is suggested that the vestibulo-ocular system shows only a limited degree of variation because of the pronounced functional constraints imposed on it.
Document ID
20040172558
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Fritzsch, B.
(Creighton University Omaha, Nebraska 68178, United States)
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1998
Publication Information
Publication: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Volume: 119
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0194-5998
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DC00215-12
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC2-861
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
Review, Academic
NASA Discipline Neuroscience
Review

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