Visual and vestibular projections to tongue motoneurons

The rabbit hypoglossal neurons, localized in the mediocaudal part of the XIIth nucleus, receive visual and vestibular inputs able to induce reflex responses functionally driven both to prepare the oral cavity for food reception and to ensure a correct postural arrangement of the tongue. The aim of the present research was to show a possible convergence of visual input on the hypoglossal neurons modulated by the vestibular system and, thus, demonstrate that visual input plays a part in the control of the tongue posture. It was found that 78% of tested neurons responded to both photic stimulation of the retinae, performed by a conventional strobe unit, and electrical stimulation of the labyrinth, with different patterns of response. Moreover, visual input significantly modified both the hypoglossal neuron response and the electromyographic genioglossal response to caloric stimulation of the labyrinth. Because a significant visual influence on the hypoglossal nucleus response and the genioglossal muscle response to labyrinthine stimulation was observed, it can be concluded that vision does integrate the spatial information of the labyrinth to modulate the postural tone of the tongue muscles.