Page last updated: 2024-10-24

righting reflex

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

A reflex process in which an animal immediately tries to turn over after being placed in a supine position. [GOC:dph, PMID:8635460]

The righting reflex, a vital mechanism for maintaining balance and orientation, is a complex neurological process that involves a coordinated interplay of sensory input, motor output, and central processing. It is triggered when an individual experiences a change in their position relative to gravity, such as being tilted, rotated, or inverted. This change in orientation activates various sensory receptors, including:

1. **Vestibular System:** Located in the inner ear, this system detects changes in head position and movement through the movement of fluid within the semicircular canals and otoliths.

2. **Visual System:** The eyes provide visual information about the surrounding environment, including the position of the horizon and objects relative to the individual.

3. **Somatosensory System:** Receptors in the skin, muscles, and joints provide information about the body's position and movement.

These sensory signals are relayed to the central nervous system, specifically the brainstem and cerebellum, where they are integrated and processed. Based on this sensory information, the brain initiates a series of motor commands to activate specific muscles in order to restore upright posture.

The righting reflex involves a combination of:

1. **Neck Righting Reflex:** When the head is tilted, the neck muscles contract to bring the head back to a neutral position. This reflex helps to maintain a stable head position despite changes in body orientation.

2. **Body Righting Reflex:** This reflex involves the coordinated action of limb and trunk muscles to bring the body back into alignment. This is achieved by adjusting the position of the limbs and torso to counter the force of gravity.

3. **Optical Righting Reflex:** This reflex utilizes visual cues to orient the head and body in relation to the horizon. For instance, if the individual is tilted, the visual system detects the change in horizon orientation and signals the brain to initiate corrective actions.

The righting reflex is essential for maintaining balance and coordination, especially during activities that involve changes in body position, such as walking, running, and reaching. It also plays a crucial role in preventing falls and injuries. Dysfunction of the righting reflex can be caused by various factors, including neurological disorders, inner ear infections, and brain injuries. It is important to note that the righting reflex is a complex and dynamic process that can be influenced by various factors, including age, individual differences, and the specific circumstances. However, the underlying mechanism involves the integration of sensory information, central processing, and motor output to maintain balance and orientation.'
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Proteins (5)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Neuropeptide S receptorA neuropeptide S receptor that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:Q6W5P4]Homo sapiens (human)
Glycine receptor subunit betaA glycine receptor subunit beta that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P48167]Homo sapiens (human)
Aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1 member A3A retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 3 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P47895]Homo sapiens (human)
Excitatory amino acid transporter 3An excitatory amino acid transporter 3 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P43005]Homo sapiens (human)
Glycine receptor subunit alpha-1A glycine receptor subunit alpha-1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P23415]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (35)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
glycinealpha-amino acid;
amino acid zwitterion;
proteinogenic amino acid;
serine family amino acid
EC 2.1.2.1 (glycine hydroxymethyltransferase) inhibitor;
fundamental metabolite;
hepatoprotective agent;
micronutrient;
neurotransmitter;
NMDA receptor agonist;
nutraceutical
alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acidalpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid: An IBOTENIC ACID homolog and glutamate agonist. The compound is the defining agonist for the AMPA subtype of glutamate receptors (RECEPTORS, AMPA). It has been used as a radionuclide imaging agent but is more commonly used as an experimental tool in cell biological studies.non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid
astemizoleastemizole : A piperidine compound having a 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl group at the 1-position and an N-[(4-fluorobenzyl)benzimidazol-2-yl]amino group at the 4-position.

Astemizole: Antihistamine drug now withdrawn from the market in many countries because of rare but potentially fatal side effects.
benzimidazoles;
piperidines
anti-allergic agent;
anticoronaviral agent;
H1-receptor antagonist
fluspirileneFluspirilene: A long-acting injectable antipsychotic agent used for chronic schizophrenia.diarylmethane
mefloquine hydrochloride[2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-yl]-(2-piperidyl)methanol : An organofluorine compound that consists of quinoline bearing trifluoromethyl substituents at positions 2 and 8 as well as a (2-piperidinyl)hydroxymethyl substituent at position 4.organofluorine compound;
piperidines;
quinolines;
secondary alcohol
risperidonerisperidone : A member of the class of pyridopyrimidines that is 2-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one carrying an additional 2-[4-(6-fluoro-1,2-benzoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl group at position 2.

Risperidone: A selective blocker of DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTORS and SEROTONIN 5-HT2 RECEPTORS that acts as an atypical antipsychotic agent. It has been shown to improve both positive and negative symptoms in the treatment of SCHIZOPHRENIA.
1,2-benzoxazoles;
heteroarylpiperidine;
organofluorine compound;
pyridopyrimidine
alpha-adrenergic antagonist;
dopaminergic antagonist;
EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor;
H1-receptor antagonist;
psychotropic drug;
second generation antipsychotic;
serotonergic antagonist
cysteinecysteine;
cysteine zwitterion;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid;
serine family amino acid
EC 4.3.1.3 (histidine ammonia-lyase) inhibitor;
flour treatment agent;
human metabolite
aspartic acidaspartic acid : An alpha-amino acid that consists of succinic acid bearing a single alpha-amino substituent

Aspartic Acid: One of the non-essential amino acids commonly occurring in the L-form. It is found in animals and plants, especially in sugar cane and sugar beets. It may be a neurotransmitter.

L-aspartic acid : The L-enantiomer of aspartic acid.
aspartate family amino acid;
aspartic acid;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid
Escherichia coli metabolite;
mouse metabolite;
neurotransmitter
win 18446WIN 18446 : A carboxamide that is 1,8-diaminooctane in which a hydrogen attached to each of the amino groups has been replaced by a dichloroacetyl group. Inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a2 (ALDH1a2). Inhibits the biosynthesis of retinoic acid from retinol in neonatal and adult murine testis. It down-regulates sex related genes in zebrafish.organochlorine compound;
secondary carboxamide
EC 1.2.1.3 [aldehyde dehydrogenase (NAD(+))] inhibitor
dronabinolDelta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol : A diterpenoid that is 6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene substituted at position 1 by a hydroxy group, positions 6, 6 and 9 by methyl groups and at position 3 by a pentyl group. The principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant, it is used for treatment of anorexia associated with AIDS as well as nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.

Dronabinol: A psychoactive compound extracted from the resin of Cannabis sativa (marihuana, hashish). The isomer delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered the most active form, producing characteristic mood and perceptual changes associated with this compound.
benzochromene;
diterpenoid;
phytocannabinoid;
polyketide
cannabinoid receptor agonist;
epitope;
hallucinogen;
metabolite;
non-narcotic analgesic
pimozidepimozide : A member of the class of benzimidazoles that is 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one in which one of the nitrogens is substituted by a piperidin-4-yl group, which in turn is substituted on the nitrogen by a 4,4-bis(p-fluorophenyl)butyl group.

Pimozide: A diphenylbutylpiperidine that is effective as an antipsychotic agent and as an alternative to HALOPERIDOL for the suppression of vocal and motor tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, blockade of postsynaptic dopamine receptors has been postulated. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p403)
benzimidazoles;
heteroarylpiperidine;
organofluorine compound
antidyskinesia agent;
dopaminergic antagonist;
first generation antipsychotic;
H1-receptor antagonist;
serotonergic antagonist
glutamic acidglutamic acid : An alpha-amino acid that is glutaric acid bearing a single amino substituent at position 2.

Glutamic Acid: A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
glutamic acid;
glutamine family amino acid;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid
Escherichia coli metabolite;
ferroptosis inducer;
micronutrient;
mouse metabolite;
neurotransmitter;
nutraceutical
adapaleneadapalene : A naphthoic acid that is CD437 in which the phenolic hydroxy group has been converted to its methyl ether.

Adapalene: A naphthalene derivative that has specificity for RETINOIC ACID RECEPTORS. It is used as a DERMATOLOGIC AGENT for the treatment of ACNE.
adamantanes;
monocarboxylic acid;
naphthoic acid
dermatologic drug;
EC 2.7.11.22 (cyclin-dependent kinase) inhibitor;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
telmisartantelmisartan : A member of the class of benzimidazoles used widely in the treatment of hypertension.

Telmisartan: A biphenyl compound and benzimidazole derivative that acts as an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist. It is used in the management of HYPERTENSION.
benzimidazoles;
biphenyls;
carboxybiphenyl
angiotensin receptor antagonist;
antihypertensive agent;
EC 3.4.15.1 (peptidyl-dipeptidase A) inhibitor;
environmental contaminant;
xenobiotic
4-(diethylamino)benzaldehyde4-(diethylamino)benzaldehyde : A member of the class of benzaldehydes carrying a diethylamino substituent at position 4.aromatic amine;
benzaldehydes;
tertiary amino compound
EC 1.2.1.3 [aldehyde dehydrogenase (NAD(+))] inhibitor
sym 2081
dihydrokainatedicarboxylic acid
daidzindaidzein 7-O-beta-D-glucoside : A glycosyloxyisoflavone that is daidzein attached to a beta-D-glucopyranosyl residue at position 7 via a glycosidic linkage. It is used in the treatment of alcohol dependency (antidipsotropic).

daidzin: a potent, selective, and reversible inhibitor of human mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase
7-hydroxyisoflavones 7-O-beta-D-glucoside;
hydroxyisoflavone;
monosaccharide derivative
plant metabolite
cinacalcetcinacalcet : A secondary amino compound that is (1R)-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)ethanamine in which one of the hydrogens attached to the nitrogen is substituted by a 3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]propyl group.(trifluoromethyl)benzenes;
naphthalenes;
secondary amino compound
calcimimetic;
P450 inhibitor
serine o-sulfateL-serine O-sulfate : A non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid that is the O-sulfo derivative of L-serine.

serine O-sulfate: RN given refers to (L)-isomer
L-serine derivative;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid;
O-sulfoamino acid
strychninestrychnine : A monoterpenoid indole alkaloid that is strychnidine bearing a keto substituent at the 10-position.

Strychnine: An alkaloid found in the seeds of STRYCHNOS NUX-VOMICA. It is a competitive antagonist at glycine receptors and thus a convulsant. It has been used as an analeptic, in the treatment of nonketotic hyperglycinemia and sleep apnea, and as a rat poison.
monoterpenoid indole alkaloid;
organic heteroheptacyclic compound
avicide;
cholinergic antagonist;
glycine receptor antagonist;
neurotransmitter agent;
rodenticide
hinokininhinokinin : A lignan that is dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (gamma-butyrolactone) substituted by a 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl group at positions 3 and 4 (the 3R,4R-diastereoisomer).

hinokinin: suppresses expression of both HBsAg and HBeAg
benzodioxoles;
gamma-lactone;
lignan
trypanocidal drug
3-hydroxyaspartic acid, (threo-l)-isomer(3S)-3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acid : The (3S)-diastereomer of 3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acid.3-hydroxy-L-aspartic acidmetabolite
7-butyl-8-[[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]methyl]-1,3-dimethylpurine-2,6-dionepiperazines
sulindacsulindac : A monocarboxylic acid that is 1-benzylidene-1H-indene which is substituted at positions 2, 3, and 5 by methyl, carboxymethyl, and fluorine respectively, and in which the phenyl group of the benzylidene moiety is substituted at the para position by a methylsulfinyl group. It is a prodrug for the corresponding sulfide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, used particularly in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Sulindac: A sulfinylindene derivative prodrug whose sulfinyl moiety is converted in vivo to an active NSAID analgesic. Specifically, the prodrug is converted by liver enzymes to a sulfide which is excreted in the bile and then reabsorbed from the intestine. This helps to maintain constant blood levels with reduced gastrointestinal side effects.
monocarboxylic acid;
organofluorine compound;
sulfoxide
analgesic;
antineoplastic agent;
antipyretic;
apoptosis inducer;
EC 1.14.99.1 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase) inhibitor;
non-narcotic analgesic;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug;
prodrug;
tocolytic agent
2-amino-3-phenylmethoxybutanedioic acidaspartic acid derivative
cholecalciferolcalciol : A hydroxy seco-steroid that is (5Z,7E)-9,10-secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-triene in which the pro-S hydrogen at position 3 has been replaced by a hydroxy group. It is the inactive form of vitamin D3, being hydroxylated in the liver to calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3), which is then further hydroxylated in the kidney to give calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), the active hormone.

Cholecalciferol: Derivative of 7-dehydroxycholesterol formed by ULTRAVIOLET RAYS breaking of the C9-C10 bond. It differs from ERGOCALCIFEROL in having a single bond between C22 and C23 and lacking a methyl group at C24.
D3 vitamins;
hydroxy seco-steroid;
seco-cholestane;
secondary alcohol;
steroid hormone
geroprotector;
human metabolite
dl-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate
ginkgolide b
dutasteridedutasteride : An aza-steroid that is inasteride in which the tert-butyl group is replaced by a 2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group. A synthetic 4-azasteroid, dutasteride is a selective inhibitor of both the type 1 and type 2 isoforms of steroid 5alpha-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Dutasteride is used for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with an enlarged prostate gland.

Dutasteride: A 5-ALPHA-REDUCTASE INHIBITOR that is reported to inhibit both type-1 and type2 isoforms of the enzyme and is used to treat BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA.
(trifluoromethyl)benzenes;
aza-steroid;
delta-lactam
antihyperplasia drug;
EC 1.3.1.22 [3-oxo-5alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase (NADP(+))] inhibitor
bn 52020
regorafenib(trifluoromethyl)benzenes;
aromatic ether;
monochlorobenzenes;
monofluorobenzenes;
phenylureas;
pyridinecarboxamide
antineoplastic agent;
hepatotoxic agent;
tyrosine kinase inhibitor
sha 68
l-beta-threo-benzyl-aspartateL-beta-threo-benzyl-aspartate: structure in first source
ucph 1012-amino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-(naphthalen-1-yl)-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitrile: structure in first source