25/03/2026
Control of the neck is exerted primarily by the vestibular system in response to the signals received by the vestibular end organs and the proprioceptors of the cervical spine.
2 automatic responses can be elicited by direct stimulation of these receptors
The Vestibulocollic Reflex is a compensatory response of the neck muscles when head motion is sensed by the vestibular organs
The Cervicocollic reflex is a compensatory response of the neck muscles that is driven by neck proprioceptive inputs during motion of the body.
Both reflexes are present in humans, but are highly developed in birds. The video shows that the head in space remains stationary despite the body moving underneath.
Those reflexes can be impaired through trauma such as whiplash and concussions.
