Symmetries of the Central Vestibular System: Forming Movements for Gravity and a Three-Dimensional World

• Main Authors: Gin McCollum, Douglas A. Hanes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2010-07-01
• Series: Symmetry
• Subjects: central vestibular system; sensorimotor; causal logic; symmetry; movement; integration; mathematical; oscillation; coordination
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/2/3/1544/

Intrinsic dynamics of the central vestibular system (CVS) appear to be at least partly determined by the symmetries of its connections. The CVS contributes to whole-body functions such as upright balance and maintenance of gaze direction. These functions coordinate disparate senses (visual, inertial, somatosensory, auditory) and body movements (leg, trunk, head/neck, eye). They are also unified by geometric conditions. Symmetry groups have been found to structure experimentally-recorded pathways of the central vestibular system. When related to geometric conditions in three-dimensional physical space, these symmetry groups make sense as a logical foundation for sensorimotor coordination.