visual body reflex(anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The following are types of visual body reflex:

  • automatic scanning movements of the eyes and head when reading
  • automatic movement of the eyes, head and neck toward the source of a visual stimulus
  • protective closing of eyes after a visual stimulus
  • protective raising of the arm after a visual stimulus

All are mediated via the following pathways:

  • afferent: retina - optic nerve - chiasm - optic tract - superior colliculus
  • efferent:
    • superior colliculus - tectospinal tract - anterior grey column of spinal cord - alpha-motor neurones
    • superior colliculus - tectobulbar tract - cranial motor nuclei