An analysis of a predictive component in the human visual tracking system.

• Main Author: Michael, Joel A.
• Other Authors: Jones, G. M. (Supervisor)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1964
• Subjects: Physiology.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=116578

In man, maximum visual acuity is obtained when the image of the visual target falls on that part of the retina known as the fovea. This condition results when a subject "looks at" a stationary target with his eyes still, and the subject is then said to be fixating the target. The maintenance of visual fixation is relatively easy when both the target and the head are stationary in space. But with the introduction of target and head movement the problem of fixation becomes much more difficult and the requirement can only be met by close integration of several different physiological mechanisms. These are first the elaborate processes jointly referred to as body postural control, second the various patterns of neck reflexes controlling movement of the head on the shoulders, and thirdly vestibular and optokinetic reflexes controlling the angle of the eye in the head. [...]