Vestibule of the ear
Vestibule of the Ear
The Vestibule of the Ear (ves-ti-byool of the eer) is a central part of the inner ear that plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
Etymology
The term "vestibule" is derived from the Latin word "vestibulum," which means entrance hall. This is an apt description as the vestibule serves as the entrance to the two other main parts of the inner ear: the semicircular canals and the cochlea.
Anatomy
The vestibule is the largest bony chamber of the inner ear, and it contains two important structures: the utricle and the saccule. These structures contain sensory cells that help detect gravity and linear acceleration (such as when you're moving in a straight line).
Function
The primary function of the vestibule is to transform physical motion into sensory information that the brain can use to coordinate balance. It does this through the utricle and saccule, which contain hair cells that respond to changes in position or movement. When you move, the fluid in these structures shifts, causing the hair cells to bend. This bending creates an electrical signal that is sent to the brain via the vestibular nerve.
Related Terms
- Inner Ear: The innermost part of the ear, containing the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals.
- Utricle: One of the two sacs in the vestibule of the ear that helps detect changes in horizontal movement and head position.
- Saccule: The other sac in the vestibule of the ear that helps detect vertical acceleration and deceleration, such as when you're moving up or down.
- Vestibular Nerve: The nerve that carries information from the inner ear to the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vestibule of the ear
- Wikipedia's article - Vestibule of the ear
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