It is easy to underrate the importance of a sensory system whose receptor is buried deep within the skull and of whose performance we are usually not aware. It is only when it malfunctions that we know we have a ves tibular system! Unraveling the mechanisms by which activation of the vestibular labyrinth exerts its varied effects presents a great challenge, which increasing numbers of investigators are rushing to meet. At this time a period of transition appears to have been reached. On the one hand, physiological and anatomical techniques have provided extensive information about the properties of the receptor and of some of the path ways that link it to the musculature. On the other hand, extensive be havioral and psychophysical studies provide different insights into the mechanisms involved in vestibular reflexes. Until recently there has been relatively 1ittle interaction between the practitioners of these two widely different approaches. It has been our goal to assess and describe the progress that has been made in both areas and, when possible, to make a synthesis of the results. As will be seen, numerous questions are raised in the process, and we hope that they will help in pointing the way to further investigations. We are grateful to the authors and publishers who gave permission to reproduce many of the figures, and to our colleagues who have read and commented on all or part of the manuscript. Victor J.

Vestibular physiology has acquired new interest in the past few years. The development of fast aircraft, beginning during the Second World War and continuing through modern supersonic jets and space travel, has increased dramatically the acceleration range to which man is subjected, from prolonged weightlessness to several gs. The labyrinth measures all kinds of acceleration, including gravity. and therefore has taken on particular impor tance in the study of human health in the Space Age. It is understandable. then, that NASA sponsored the Symposium on Vestibular Function and Morphology. a satellite of the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Society of Neuroscience. held October 30-November 1. 1978, at the University of Pittsburgh, which also supported the symposium. The present volume was developed from papers originally presented there. My strategy in editing this book has been to focus upon the vestibular end organ and its direct connections. both peripheral and central, in order to as sure a coherent discussion of the basics of vestibular function, structure, and ultrastructure. Fortunately, it was possible to secure the contributions of a number of outstanding investigators from both the United States and abroad, including functionally oriented morphologists. ultrastructuralists, biophysicists, and vestibular physiologists. The result is a comprehensive discussion of the main mechanisms of the labyrinth: the transduction pro cess at the receptor level, in the semicircular canals, and in the utricular and saccular maculae; the information transfer through neuronal pathways to the nuclei and the cerebellum; and the general organization of the system.

Vestibular physiology has acquired new interest in the past few years. The development of fast aircraft, beginning during the Second World War and continuing through modern supersonic jets and space travel, has increased dramatically the acceleration range to which man is subjected, from prolonged weightlessness to several gs. The labyrinth measures all kinds of acceleration, including gravity. and therefore has taken on particular impor tance in the study of human health in the Space Age. It is understandable. then, that NASA sponsored the Symposium on Vestibular Function and Morphology. a satellite of the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Society of Neuroscience. held October 30-November 1. 1978, at the University of Pittsburgh, which also supported the symposium. The present volume was developed from papers originally presented there. My strategy in editing this book has been to focus upon the vestibular end organ and its direct connections. both peripheral and central, in order to as sure a coherent discussion of the basics of vestibular function, structure, and ultrastructure. Fortunately, it was possible to secure the contributions of a number of outstanding investigators from both the United States and abroad, including functionally oriented morphologists. ultrastructuralists, biophysicists, and vestibular physiologists. The result is a comprehensive discussion of the main mechanisms of the labyrinth: the transduction pro cess at the receptor level, in the semicircular canals, and in the utricular and saccular maculae; the information transfer through neuronal pathways to the nuclei and the cerebellum; and the general organization of the system.

Development of Auditory and Vestibular Systems fourth edition presents a global and synthetic view of the main aspects of the development of the stato-acoustic system. Unique to this volume is the joint discussion of two sensory systems that, although close at the embryological stage, present divergences during development and later reveal conspicuous functional differences at the adult stage. This work covers the development of auditory receptors up to the central auditory system from several animal models, including humans. Coverage of the vestibular system, spanning amphibians to effects of altered gravity during development in different species, offers examples of the diversity and complexity of life at all levels, from genes through anatomical form and function to, ultimately, behavior. The new edition of Development of Auditory and Vestibular Systems will continue to be an indispensable resource for beginning scientists in this area and experienced researchers alike. Full-color figures illustrate the development of the stato-acoustic system pathway Covers a broad range of species, from drosophila to humans, demonstrating the diversity of morphological development despite similarities in molecular processes involved at the cellular level Discusses a variety of approaches, from genetic-molecular biology to psychophysics, enabling the investigation of ontogenesis and functional development

The details of the receptor mechanism are not yet fully understood for any sensory system. However, sufficient data are available (for the vestibular system and for other systems) to permit meaningful tracking of the sensory messages through the nervous system and via conscious experience. The reception, process ing, storage and output of information in man and other animals, as done by means of receptors, neurons, secretory cells and muscle fibers, are collectively referred to as mind. Sensory physiologists tend to disbelieve in extrasensory perception. Sensory physiology in general is an area upon which different sciences and methods converge. Anatomists, physiologists, psychologists, physicists, chemists, and engineers have made important contributions to sensory physiology. What is special about vestibular physiology is the fact that many research workers are clinicians, living under the constant pressure of their patient's demands. This is a disadvantage when it comes to writing handbooks, but an advantage for the pa tient, since research is guided by clinical practice and can be quickly applied. Modern methods, such as recording from single nerve units and the correlation of electrophysiological and psychophysical data, have greatly contributed to our knowledge, yet the study of lesions is still important, especially in the vestibular field.

The Senses: A Comprehensive Reference, Second Edition, Seven Volume Set is a comprehensive reference work covering the range of topics that constitute current knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying the different senses. This important work provides the most up-to-date, cutting-edge, comprehensive reference combining volumes on all major sensory modalities in one set. Offering 264 chapters from a distinguished team of international experts, The Senses lays out current knowledge on the anatomy, physiology, and molecular biology of sensory organs, in a collection of comprehensive chapters spanning 4 volumes. Topics covered include the perception, psychophysics, and higher order processing of sensory information, as well as disorders and new diagnostic and treatment methods. Written for a wide audience, this reference work provides students, scholars, medical doctors, as well as anyone interested in neuroscience, a comprehensive overview of the knowledge accumulated on the function of sense organs, sensory systems, and how the brain processes sensory input. As with the first edition, contributions from leading scholars from around the world will ensure The Senses offers a truly international portrait of sensory physiology. The set is the definitive reference on sensory neuroscience and provides the ultimate entry point into the review and original literature in Sensory Neuroscience enabling students and scientists to delve into the subject and deepen their knowledge. All-inclusive coverage of topics: updated edition offers readers the only current reference available covering neurobiology, physiology, anatomy, and molecular biology of sense organs and the processing of sensory information in the brain Authoritative content: world-leading contributors provide readers with a reputable, dynamic and authoritative account of the topics under discussion Comprehensive-style content: in-depth, complex coverage of topics offers students at upper undergraduate level and above full insight into topics under discussion