What is the primary function of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)?

• A. Stabilize gaze during head movements by producing compensatory eye movements
• B. Stabilize posture
• C. Enhance auditory input
• D. Postural reflexes

Answer: (A)

The primary function of the vestibulo-ocular reflex is to keep your gaze stable when your head moves. It does this by detecting head motion through the vestibular system and sending commands to the eye muscles to move the eyes in the opposite direction. The result is compensatory eye movements that cancel out the head motion, so the image stays focused on the retina and vision remains clear during activities like turning your head or walking. This reflex responds very quickly and its eye movement closely matches the head movement, giving a near-one gain. It’s specifically about stabilizing gaze, not about body posture or enhancing hearing, which are handled by different neural pathways.