The geotaxis test is used to investigate motor coordination and vestibular sensitivity in rodents. The rodent is usually placed in an inclined grid in the head downwards position. The grid allows for grip and allows for the rodent to reorient itself towards an upwards position. The larger angle creates a more difficult barrier toward reorientation. Shallower angles allow for easier geotaxis.
Scoring is done with three categories: measuring the ability to turn upwards within 60 seconds, failure to turn within 60 seconds, and attempted but failed to turn within 60 seconds.
Metal Option Specifications
| Mouse Acrylic | Rat Acrylic |
|---|---|
| 35 cm x 35 cm for the floor, wall, and angled platform | 50 cm x 50 cm for the floor, wall, and angled platform |
| Grey non reflective opaque acrylic for all parts of the apparatus | Grey non-reflective opaque acrylic for all parts of the apparatus |
| 1cm horizontal etchings on the anterior portion of the angled platform for easy grip. | 1cm horizontal etchings on the anterior portion of the angled platform for easy grip. |
| Thickness: ½ in | Thickness: ½ in |
| Notches to allow the angled platform to move between 5 degree increments. (45,40,35,30,25,20,15,10,5) | Notches to allow the angled platform to move between 5-degree increments. (45,40,35,30,25,20,15,10,5) |
| 9 notches on the bottom floor and 9 notches on the wall | 9 notches on the bottom floor and 9 notches on the wall |
| Notches are 75% width of the platform and approx. 1cm high, ¼ in thickness | Notches are 75% width of the platform and approx. 1cm high, ¼ in thickness |
Acrylic Option Specifications
| Mouse Acrylic | Rat Acrylic |
|---|---|
| 35 cm x 35 cm for the floor, wall, and angled platform | 50 cm x 50 cm for the floor, wall, and angled platform |
| Grey non reflective opaque acrylic for all parts of the apparatus | Grey non-reflective opaque acrylic for all parts of the apparatus |
| 1cm horizontal etchings on the anterior portion of the angled platform for easy grip. | 1cm horizontal etchings on the anterior portion of the angled platform for easy grip. |
| Thickness: ½ in | Thickness: ½ in |
| Notches to allow the angled platform to move between 5 degree increments. (45,40,35,30,25,20,15,10,5) | Notches to allow the angled platform to move between 5-degree increments. (45,40,35,30,25,20,15,10,5) |
| 9 notches on the bottom floor and 9 notches on the wall | 9 notches on the bottom floor and 9 notches on the wall |
| Notches are 75% width of the platform and approx. 1cm high, ¼ in thickness | Notches are 75% width of the platform and approx. 1cm high, ¼ in thickness |
| Size | Mouse, Rat |
|---|---|
| Brand | MazeEngineers |
| Material | Acrylic, Metal |
