Human and Animal Semicircular Canal Function during Circular Walking

Abstract

It is generally accepted from animal studies that the medial vestibulospinal tract originates in the medial vestibular nucleus, which is supplied from the semicircular canals, and descends only to the upper thoracic levels of the cord. In humans, however, there is some indirect evidence to support the concept that impulses from the semicircular canals reach the lumbosacral cord and influence lower as well as upper extremity activity.

Key Words:

• vestibulospinal tract
• voluntary movement
• posture