Predictive Action of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex

The vestibule-ocular reflex (VOR) is a fast reflex with machine-like features that stabilizes vision during head movement. The fact that even a reflex as simple and fundamental as the VOR involves a neural delay may imply that we are at least a step behind the reality. However, the VOR is equipped with mechanisms that anticipate the visual consequence of the reflex action to produce appropriate responses in various contexts. That is, the brain maintains a predictive state even at the reflex level. This perspective may lead to further understanding of brain functions.