What reflex stabilizes gaze during head movement by producing compensatory eye movements?

What reflex stabilizes gaze during head movement by producing compensatory eye movements?

• A. The vestibulo-ocular reflex
• B. The corneal reflex
• C. The pupillary light reflex
• D. The accommodation reflex

Answer: (A)

Gaze stability during head movement is achieved by a reflex that detects head motion and drives the eyes to move in the opposite direction, keeping the visual image steady on the retina. The vestibulo-ocular reflex uses signals from the inner ear’s semicircular canals to sense angular head movement and coordinates the extraocular muscles to move the eyes opposite to the head’s motion. This rapid compensatory eye movement lets you maintain focus on a fixed target even as you turn your head. The other reflexes don’t serve this function. The corneal reflex triggers a protective blink when the cornea is touched or irritated. The pupillary light reflex adjusts pupil diameter in response to light. The accommodation reflex changes lens shape for near focusing.

Gaze stability during head movement is achieved by a reflex that detects head motion and drives the eyes to move in the opposite direction, keeping the visual image steady on the retina. The vestibulo-ocular reflex uses signals from the inner ear’s semicircular canals to sense angular head movement and coordinates the extraocular muscles to move the eyes opposite to the head’s motion. This rapid compensatory eye movement lets you maintain focus on a fixed target even as you turn your head.

The other reflexes don’t serve this function. The corneal reflex triggers a protective blink when the cornea is touched or irritated. The pupillary light reflex adjusts pupil diameter in response to light. The accommodation reflex changes lens shape for near focusing.