Gaze (physiology)

Gaze refers to the act of seeing, or more specifically, the direction in which one's eyes are pointed. In the field of physiology, gaze is a complex process involving a multitude of eye movements and brain functions.

Overview

The gaze is not a fixed or static process, but rather a dynamic one that is constantly adjusting to the environment and the tasks at hand. It involves the coordination of both eyes, which move together to focus on a single point in space. This is known as conjugate gaze.

Types of Gaze

There are several types of gaze, each with its own unique characteristics and functions. These include:

• Fixation: This is the act of holding the gaze steady on a single location. It is the most common type of gaze and is used during tasks that require focused attention, such as reading or watching a movie.

• Saccadic: This type of gaze involves rapid, jerky movements of the eyes as they jump from one point to another. It is used when scanning a scene or searching for a specific object.

• Smooth Pursuit: This type of gaze involves the eyes smoothly following a moving object. It is used when tracking a moving object, such as a ball in flight.

• Vestibulo-Ocular: This type of gaze involves the eyes moving in the opposite direction to the head. It is used to stabilize the gaze during head movements, such as when nodding or shaking the head.

Neurological Control

The control of gaze is a complex process that involves several areas of the brain. These include the frontal eye fields, the parietal eye fields, the superior colliculus, and the brainstem. These areas work together to coordinate the movements of the eyes and to process the visual information that is received.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in gaze can be a sign of a number of neurological conditions, including stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Therefore, an assessment of gaze is often included in a neurological examination.

See Also

• Eye movement
• Visual perception
• Visual system

References

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