Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that averaging saccades occur when two different saccades are prepared and executed simultaneously. The activity of saccade-related burst neurons (SRBNs) in the primate superior colliculus was recorded while monkeys made both non-averaging saccades to single targets and averaging saccades which directed the gaze between two simultaneously presented visual targets. For movements of comparable direction and amplitude, the activity measured during averaging and non-averaging saccades was statistically indistinguishable. These results are not consistent with the hypothesis that averaging saccades result from the simultaneous execution of two different saccades at the level of the collicular SRBNs. Instead, these findings indicate that averaging saccades are represented as single intermediate movements within the topographically organized map of these collicular cells.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Becker W, Jürgens R (1979) An analysis of the saccadic system by means of double step stimuli. Vision Res 19:967–983
Findlay JM (1982) Global processing for saccadic eye movements. Vision Res 22:1033–1045
Fuchs AF, Robinson DA (1966) A method for measuring horizontal and vertical eye movement chronically in the monkey. J Appl Physiol 21:1068–1070
Glimcher PW, Sparks DL (1993) The effects of low-frequency stimulation of the superior colliculus on spontaneous and visually guided saccades. J Neurophysiol 69:953–964
He PY, Kowler E (1989) The role of location probability in the programming of saccades: implication for “center-of-gravity” tendencies. Vision Res 29:1165–1181
Judge SJ, Richmond BJ, Chu FC (1980) Implantation of magnetic search coils for measurement of eye position: an improved method. Vision Res 20:535–538
Ottes FP, Van Gisbergen JAM, Eggermont JJ (1985) Latency dependence of colour-based target vs nontarget discrimination by the saccadic system. Vision Res 25:849–862
Ratkowsky D (1983) Comparing parameter estimates from more than one data set.Non-linear regression modelling: a unified and practical approach. Dekker, New York, pp 135–152
Robinson DA (1972) Eye movements evoked by collicular stimulation in the alert monkey. Vision Res 12:1795–1808
Schlag-Rey M, Schlag J, Dassonville P (1992) How the frontal eye fields can impose a saccade goal on superior colliculus neurons. J Neurophysiol 67:1003–1005
Sparks DL (1978) Functional properties of neurons in the monkey superior colliculus: coupling of neuronal activity and saccade onset. Brain Res 156:1–16
Sparks DL, Holland R, Guthrie BL (1976) Size and distribution of movement fields in the monkey superior colliculus. Brain Res 113:21–34
Stanford TR, Freedman EG, Sparks DL (1991) An upward bias of saccades to remembered targets is reflected in the movement fields of saccade-related burst neurons in the superior colliculus of the monkey. Soc Neurosci Abstr 17:185.5
Van Opstal AJ, Van Gisbergen JAM (1990) Role of monkey superior colliculus in saccade averaging. Exp Brain Res 79:143–149
Wurtz RH, Goldberg ME (1972) Activity of superior colliculus in behaving monkey. III. Cells discharging before eye movements. J Neurophysiol 35:575–586
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Glimcher, P.W., Sparks, D.L. Representation of averaging saccades in the superior colliculus of the monkey. Exp Brain Res 95, 429–435 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00227135
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00227135