Which reflex stabilizes gaze during head movement?

Which reflex stabilizes gaze during head movement?

• A. Optokinetic reflex
• B. Vestibulo-ocular reflex
• C. Vestibulospinal reflex
• D. Acoustic reflex

Answer: (B)

Gaze stabilization during head movement is achieved by the vestibulo-ocular reflex. When the head turns, the semicircular canals detect this angular motion and send signals to the brainstem vestibular nuclei, which then drive the extraocular muscles to move the eyes in the opposite direction. This compensatory eye movement keeps the visual image steady on the retina, allowing clear vision during motion. The reflex has a high gain and fast latency, so eye movement closely matches head movement. The optokinetic reflex also helps stabilize vision, but it relies on visual input from the environment and is more about tracking moving scenery than directly compensating for head motion. Vestibulospinal reflexes stabilize posture and balance, not gaze. The acoustic reflex protects the ear from loud sounds and doesn’t affect eye movements.

Gaze stabilization during head movement is achieved by the vestibulo-ocular reflex. When the head turns, the semicircular canals detect this angular motion and send signals to the brainstem vestibular nuclei, which then drive the extraocular muscles to move the eyes in the opposite direction. This compensatory eye movement keeps the visual image steady on the retina, allowing clear vision during motion. The reflex has a high gain and fast latency, so eye movement closely matches head movement.

The optokinetic reflex also helps stabilize vision, but it relies on visual input from the environment and is more about tracking moving scenery than directly compensating for head motion. Vestibulospinal reflexes stabilize posture and balance, not gaze. The acoustic reflex protects the ear from loud sounds and doesn’t affect eye movements.