A FRAMEWORK FOR CONSIDERING THE ROLE OF AFFERENCE AND EFFERENCE IN THE CONTROL AND PERCEPTION OF OCULAR POSITION

Citation
M. Monwilliams et Jr. Tresilian, A FRAMEWORK FOR CONSIDERING THE ROLE OF AFFERENCE AND EFFERENCE IN THE CONTROL AND PERCEPTION OF OCULAR POSITION, Biological cybernetics, 79(2), 1998, pp. 175-189
Citations number
108
Categorie Soggetti
Computer Science Cybernetics",Neurosciences
Journal title
ISSN journal
03401200
Volume
79
Issue
2
Year of publication
1998
Pages
175 - 189
Database
ISI
SICI code
0340-1200(1998)79:2<175:AFFCTR>2.0.ZU;2-7
Abstract
It has been well established that extra-retinal information is used in the perception of visual direction and distance. Furthermore, a numbe r of studies have established that both efference copy and afferent di scharge contribute to the extra-retinal signal. Despite this, no model currently exists to explain how the signals which arise through oculo motor control contribute to perception. This paper attempts to provide such a framework. The first part of the paper outlines the framework [the cyclopean equilibrium point (EP) model] and considers the binocul us or cyclopean eye from the perspective of a current account of motor control (the EP hypothesis). An existing model is used to describe ho w the nervous system could utilise available efference copy and affere nt extra retinal signals when determining the direction and distance o f cyclopean fixation. Although the cyclopean EP model is speculative, it allows for a parsimonious framework when considering the oculomotor contribution to perception. The model has the additional advantage of being consistent with current theories regarding the control and perc eption of limb movement. The second part of the paper shows that the m odel is biologically plausible, demonstrates the use of the proposed m odel in describing the central control of eye movements with regard to non-conjugate peripheral adaptation and reconciles seemingly disparat e empirical findings.