Skip to main content
Journal cover image

The neural basis for learning of simple motor skills.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Lisberger, SG
Published in: Science
November 4, 1988

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is a simple movement that has been used to investigate the neural basis for motor learning in monkeys. The function of the VOR is to stabilize retinal images by generating smooth eye movements that are equal and opposite to each head movement. Learning occurs whenever image motion occurs persistently during head turns; as a result image stability is gradually restored. A hypothesis is proposed in which the output from the cerebellar cortex of the flocculus guides learning; the locus of learning is in the brain stem, in VOR pathways that are under inhibitory control from the flocculus. Other, parallel VOR pathways do not receive inputs from the flocculus and are not subject to learning. Similarities among the VOR and other motor systems suggest some organizing principles that may apply in many forms of motor learning.

Duke Scholars

Altmetric Attention Stats
Dimensions Citation Stats

Published In

Science

DOI

ISSN

0036-8075

Publication Date

November 4, 1988

Volume

242

Issue

4879

Start / End Page

728 / 735

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Synapses
  • Retina
  • Reflex
  • Nerve Net
  • Motor Skills
  • Learning
  • General Science & Technology
  • Feedback
  • Eye Movements
  • Cerebellar Cortex
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Lisberger, S. G. (1988). The neural basis for learning of simple motor skills. Science, 242(4879), 728–735. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3055293
Lisberger, S. G. “The neural basis for learning of simple motor skills.Science 242, no. 4879 (November 4, 1988): 728–35. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3055293.
Lisberger SG. The neural basis for learning of simple motor skills. Science. 1988 Nov 4;242(4879):728–35.
Lisberger, S. G. “The neural basis for learning of simple motor skills.Science, vol. 242, no. 4879, Nov. 1988, pp. 728–35. Pubmed, doi:10.1126/science.3055293.
Lisberger SG. The neural basis for learning of simple motor skills. Science. 1988 Nov 4;242(4879):728–735.
Journal cover image

Published In

Science

DOI

ISSN

0036-8075

Publication Date

November 4, 1988

Volume

242

Issue

4879

Start / End Page

728 / 735

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Synapses
  • Retina
  • Reflex
  • Nerve Net
  • Motor Skills
  • Learning
  • General Science & Technology
  • Feedback
  • Eye Movements
  • Cerebellar Cortex