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Understanding the Vestibular and Auditory System
Aug 14, 2024
Lecture on the Vestibular and Auditory System
Introduction to Senses
Commonly recognized senses: sight, sound, taste
Lesser-known sense: vestibular system
Important for balance and spatial orientation
Involves receptors in inner ear, crucial for sense of balance
The Inner Ear and Vestibular System
Focus on the auditory system, specifically the inner ear
Key structures:
Cochlea
: Processes sound, transfers information to the brain
Semicircular Canals
:
Anterior, posterior, and lateral (horizontal) canals
Orthogonal (right-angle) arrangement
Lined with a fluid called endolymph, detecting head rotation
Understanding the Semicircular Canals
Spatial orientation using axes:
X-axis: nose to back of the head
Y-axis: left ear to right ear
Z-axis: straight up and down
Function:
Rotations cause endolymph to shift
Detects head rotation plane and strength of rotation
Otolithic Organs
Components: utricle and saccule
Detect linear acceleration and head positioning
Contains calcium carbonate crystals attached to hair cells within a gel
Movement (e.g., standing to lying) shifts crystals
Pulls on hair cells, triggering action potentials to the brain
Fascinating Facts
Crystals in ear react to gravity and acceleration
Allow detection of head positioning
Malfunctions cause dizziness and vertigo
Dizziness and the Vestibular System
Continued movement of endolymph after spinning causes dizziness
Can combat dizziness by spinning in the opposite direction
Gravity and Disorientation
Absence of gravity (e.g., astronauts) affects otolithic organs
Scuba diving disorientation due to buoyancy affecting gravity perception
Lack of visual cues can exacerbate disorientation
Conclusion
Vestibular system crucial for balance, affected by various factors
Understanding helps in managing dizziness and disorientation
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