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Physiology Project

The vestibular apparatus, located in the inner ear, is crucial for balance, posture, and coordination of head and eye movements, consisting of semicircular canals and otolith organs. It detects changes in head position and motion, aiding in spatial orientation and postural control. Vestibular disorders can cause symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance, often resulting from infections, trauma, or aging.

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12 views3 pages

Physiology Project

The vestibular apparatus, located in the inner ear, is crucial for balance, posture, and coordination of head and eye movements, consisting of semicircular canals and otolith organs. It detects changes in head position and motion, aiding in spatial orientation and postural control. Vestibular disorders can cause symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance, often resulting from infections, trauma, or aging.

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yg60476
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Vestibular Apparatus

Definition of Vestibular Apparatus:

The vestibular apparatus is a part of the inner ear that plays a key role in maintaining balance, posture, and
coordination of head and eye movements. It is located in the bony labyrinth of the inner ear and consists of:

1. Semicircular canals - three looped structures that detect rotational (angular) movement of the head.

2. Otolith organs (utricle and saccule) - detect linear acceleration and the position of the head relative to
gravity.

Importance of the Vestibular Apparatus:

1. Balance and Equilibrium:

* Detects changes in head position and motion to help maintain upright posture and prevent falls.

2. Coordination of Eye Movements:

* Works with the visual system to stabilize images on the retina during head movement (via the vestibulo-
ocular reflex).

3. Spatial Orientation:

* Helps the brain understand where the body is in space, which is essential for movement and coordination.

4. Postural Control:

* Sends signals to muscles to adjust body position in response to changes in head or body movement.

5. Motion Perception:

* Gives a sense of motion and acceleration (e.g., in vehicles, elevators, or spinning).

Location : inner ear

Structure:

Outer part : Bony labyrinth

Inner part : Membranous labyrinth

Fluid between Bony labyrinth and Membranous labyrinth know as peril lymph .

Fluid inside of Membranous labyrinth know as endolymph.

in inner ear

It consists of:
Otolith organs :

1 Utricle ,

2 Saccule

3 semicircular canals (right angles to each other)

Anterior/Superior

Posterior/Inferior

Lateral/Horizontal/External

Functions:

Utricle & saccule - has macula senses linear acceleration

Each semicircular canal has an ampulla which has crista ampullaris (cupula - gelatinous mass of hair from the
hair cell)- senses angular acceleration

Vestibular disorders are the conditions that affect the vestibular system, which is responsible for
balance and spatial orientation.
Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders:

Dizziness
Vertigo (spinning sensation)
Imbalance
Nausea and vomiting

Blurred vision
Unsteady gait
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Causes of Vestibular Disorders:


Infections (e.g., labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis).
Trauma (e.g., head injury).
Autoimmune conditions.
Meniere's disease.
Medications (ototoxic drugs).
Aging.

Common vestibular disorders:

Meniere's Disease:
Involves recurring episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness.

Vestibular Neuritis:
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, leading to sudden vertigo, balance problems

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