The Cerebellum: Brain for an Implicit Self

11. Somatic and Autonomic Reflexes

11-1. Introduction

In this chapter we will consider several types of somatic and autonomic reflexes whose operation is improved when modulated by the cerebellum. The prototypical adaptive cerebellar control of these reflexes is similar to that for the ocular reflexes analyzed in Chapter 10, “Ocular Reflexes.” In particular, eye-blink conditioning, together with VOR/OKR adaptation, provide excellent examples of cerebellar function.

11-2. The Stretch Reflex and Posture Under Selected Conditions

A stretch reflex causes the contraction of a muscle in response to its stretch. Interestingly, its mediators are quite complex. First, three types of motoneurons are involved. α-motoneurons innervate extrafusal muscle fibers, ...