Work

The vestibular contribution to the head direction signal and navigation

Year: 2014

Type: review

Abstract: Spatial learning and navigation depend on neural representations of location and direction within the environment. These representations, encoded by place cells and head direction (HD) cells, respectively, are dominantly controlled by visual cues, but require input from the vestibular system. Vestibular signals play an important role in forming spatial representations in both visual and non-visual environments, but the details of this vestibular contribution are not fully understood. Here, we review the role of the vestibular system in generating various spatial signals in rodents, focusing primarily on HD cells. We also examine the vestibular system's role in navigation and the possible pathways by which vestibular information is conveyed to higher navigation centers.

Source: Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience

DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2014.00032

Authors: Ryan M. Yoder, Jeffrey S. Taube

Institutions: Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Indiana University Fort Wayne, Dartmouth College

Language: English

Topic: Memory and Neural Mechanisms

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke