[The role of investigations by János Szentágothai in developmental neurology]

Ideggyogy Sz. 2003 Nov 20;56(11-12):422-9.
[Article in Hungarian]

Abstract

The vestibulospinal system plays determining role in the activation processes of elementary sensorymotor patterns characterised by the verticalization of the trunk and elevation of the head. In the thirties of the last century János Szentágothai proved that axons of the vestibulospinal tract reach the cervical and thoracic spinal cord and innervate the muscles of the neck. Later he verified existence of various connections among the labyrinth, the vestibular system, and the motor nuclei of the III., IV. and the VI. cranial nerves. His studies explain the functional neuroanatomic background of sitting up, sitting and balancing in the air, head-elevation and head control during the execution of a special elementary sensorymotor pattern: "sitting in air". All these functions can be activated by labyrinthine stimulation long before the maturation of the corticospinal tract.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / abnormalities
  • Child Development*
  • Developmental Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Developmental Disabilities / history
  • Developmental Disabilities / physiopathology*
  • Developmental Disabilities / therapy
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Hungary
  • Infant
  • Neurology / history
  • Posture