Frog Labyrinthine Efferent Impulses

Abstract

Efferent impulses were recorded from the free ends of nerves detached from the ampullae, sacculus, utriculus, and lagena in the leopard frog (Rana pipiens). These impulses were found to be initiated by stimulation of any ampulla or a variety of unidentified extralabyrinthine proprioceptors. None were evoked in response to stimulation of the auditory or otolith organs. There was no spontaneous resting activity in the efferent fibers. Surgical difficulties have so far prevented adequate study of possible efferent input to the pars basilaris and pars neglecta.