Intermediate
Technical
IVT
smooth pursuit
Slow, continuous eye movements that track moving objects.
Full Definition
Smooth pursuit eye movements are slow, continuous movements that allow the eyes to track moving objects and maintain fixation on them. These movements are under cortical control and involve complex neural circuits including the medial temporal area (MT), medial superior temporal area (MST), and frontal eye fields. Smooth pursuit dysfunction can occur with cortical lesions, cerebellar disease, or certain medications, and is assessed clinically by having patients track slowly moving targets.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from saccadic movements, which are rapid and ballistic.
In Context
- "Smooth pursuit was impaired horizontally, suggesting a cortical lesion." — Neurological examination
- "The patient's smooth pursuit movements were jerky and interrupted by catch-up saccades." — Oculomotor testing
Also known as
pursuit movements
tracking movements
Contrasted with
saccadic movements
ballistic movements
Don't confuse with
saccades
vergence movements