Righting reflexes

Upright standing is controlled by many divisions of the CNS:

The basic element is the contraction of the antigravity muscles based on complex reflex actions using two basic types of reflexes:

Righting reflexes[edit | edit source]

ensure higher coordination of static reactions and 'directing the center of gravity
the reflex tension of the muscles is provided by the postural muscles at rest and during movement
includes integrative activity spinal cord, RF, midbrain, cerebellum, basal ganglia and cerebral cortices supported by the activity of the vestibular apparatus
initiated by stimulation of tactile exteroceptors'

labyrinth righting reflex - occurs when the trunk tilts from side to side and the head must be kept upright
body uprighting reflex affecting the position of the head - when passively lying on the side, when the head is turned to a normal position due to irritation of the tactile receptors
cervical righting reflex' - as a continuation of the previous reactions leading to the straightening of the trunk
body uprighting reflex acting on the position of the body' - occurs if, when passively positioned on the side, we prevent the head from being raised, the trunk will be raised without raising the head
visual righting reflexes - reactions to visual stimuli followed by raising the head

This reaction ensures the acquisition of a stable position in case of a significant deviation from the normal (fall, rapid change of position).

vestibular – the simplest form of this group of reflexes, when falling (lowering to the ground) the forelimbs are extended and the fingers are abducted
visual - when lowering to the mat, when the limbs are stretched

MYSLIVEČEK, Jaromir. Základy neurověd. 2. edition. Triton, 2009. 390 pp. ISBN 978-80-7387-088-1.