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Abstract:

Classically, saccadic and pursuit systems were considered largely independent. However, on the basis of cat and primate studies, scientists accumulated evidence showing that the two oculomotor systems are intimately linked. It was demonstrated that both saccadic and pursuit systems use position and velocity inputs and share common initiation, cancellation, and target-selection mechanisms. Moreover, neuronal populations in several cortical and subcortical brain areas were shown to convey both saccade and pursuit signals. This article discusses all these results, showing that saccade and pursuit systems are much more integrated than previously thought. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.