Biomaterial Database

A 'physiological' model for the salamander horizontal optokinetic reflex. 1984

G Manteuffel

The salamander optokinetic head nystagmus can be explained by a comparatively simple negative feedback loop with few operational units within the loop. These units may easily be represented by properties of neural elements. In particular, the retinal slip velocity is transformed into an internal excitation by a velocity transfer function derived from pretectal recordings. A velocity storage element with input-output comparator is proposed as a recurrent inhibition network. A threshold element sums up the neuronal thresholds of the units involved. An internal gain factor may be interpreted as the transformation of the neural signal to a motor output. This output occurs with a stimulus-independent delay of 1 s, which is considered to be the sum of all conduction delays in the system. The model produces an output that is in excellent conformity with the optokinetic behavior. Additionally, the model predicts behavioral responses to optokinetic stimulation with extended stimulus ranges or with central lesions.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008959	Models, Neurological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of the neurological system, processes or phenomena; includes the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Neurologic Models,Model, Neurological,Neurologic Model,Neurological Model,Neurological Models,Model, Neurologic,Models, Neurologic
D009433	Neural Inhibition	The function of opposing or restraining the excitation of neurons or their target excitable cells.	Inhibition, Neural
D009760	Nystagmus, Physiologic	Involuntary rhythmical movements of the eyes in the normal person. These can be naturally occurring as in end-position (end-point, end-stage, or deviational) nystagmus or induced by the optokinetic drum (NYSTAGMUS, OPTOKINETIC), caloric test, or a rotating chair.	Nystagmus, Barany,Nystagmus, Caloric,Nystagmus, End-Position,Nystagmus, Positional,Nystagmus, Post-Rotatory,Nystagmus, Thermal,Nystagmus, Barany's,Nystagmus, Physiological,Physiologic Nystagmus,Barany Nystagmus,Barany's Nystagmus,Caloric Nystagmus,End-Position Nystagmus,Nystagmus, Baranys,Nystagmus, End Position,Nystagmus, Post Rotatory,Physiological Nystagmus,Positional Nystagmus,Post-Rotatory Nystagmus,Thermal Nystagmus
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D014562	Urodela	An order of the Amphibia class which includes salamanders and newts. They are characterized by usually having slim bodies and tails, four limbs of about equal size (except in Sirenidae), and a reduction in skull bones.	Amphiuma,Caudata,Eel, Congo,Salamanders,Congo Eel,Congo Eels,Eels, Congo,Salamander