Relationship Between Otoliths and Nystagmus

Abstract

In rabbits the influence of the function of the otoliths upon vestibular nystagmus was investigated. In a series of experiments the function of otolithic organs a nd and thereafter the semicircular canal function was reexamined by various tests. Stimulation of the utricular nerve by either electrical or mechanical stimuli did not produce nystagmus, but movements of the utricular membrane provoked an intense nystagmus, presumably by endolymphe movements causing cupular deviations.

The literature on the subject is reviewed.