Influence of otoliths and neck muscle receptors on peripheral hemodynamic regulation.

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the cardiovascular changes induced by otoliths and neck mechanoreceptors stimulation during head movements, nine subjects in supine prone position performed passive head-down neck flexion (P.Ext) and head up P.Extension (P.Flex) As the lower limbs vasoconstricted from P.Ext to P.Flex, it is suggested that the otoliths stimulation towards the base of the head (like in standing position) contribute to reduce the vasoconstriction whereas when stimulated towards the top of the head (head flexion) they increase it.