Mapping vestibular and visual contributions to angular head velocity tuning in the cortex

Neurons that signal the angular velocity of head movements (AHV cells) are important for processing visual and spatial information. However, it has been challenging to isolate the sensory modality that drives them and to map their cortical distribution. To address this, we develop a method that enables rotating awake, head-fixed mice under a two-photon microscope in a visual environment. Starting in layer 2/3 of the retrosplenial cortex, a key area for vision and navigation, we find that 10% of neurons report angular head velocity (AHV). Their tuning properties depend on vestibular input with a smaller contribution of vision at lower speeds. Mapping the spatial extent, we find AHV cells in all cortical areas that we explored, including motor, somatosensory, visual, and posterior parietal cortex. Notably, the vestibular and visual contributions to AHV are area dependent. Thus, many cortical circuits have access to AHV, enabling a diverse integration with sensorimotor and cognitive information. [Display omitted] •Neuronal tuning to angular head velocity (AHV) is widespread in L2/3 of mouse cortex•In most areas, AHV can be decoded with an accuracy close to psychophysical limits•AHV tuning is driven by vestibular and visual input in an area-dependent manner Head motion signals are critical for spatial navigation and visual perception. Hennestad et al. develop a technique for rotating mice under a two-photon microscope and find neurons tuned to head rotation speed in many cortical areas. This tuning depends on vestibular and visual input in an area-dependent manner.