Case 4 - the Vestibular System Flashcards
what does the vestibular system do
detects forces generated by movement, acting as an accelerometer. translates these into a sense of balance.
provides information about the position of the head in space
allows other CNS structures to rapidly compensate for changes
what is the vestibular system embedded in
bone - membraneous labyrinth
where is the vestibule located
between the semi-circular canals and the cochlea
what does the vestibule contain
the utricle and the saccule
what do the saccule and utricle contain
equilibrium receptors called maculae
what is the saccule continuous with
cochlear duct anteriorly - vertical acceleration = lift
what is the utricle continuous with
the semi-circular ducts posteriorly - horizontal = car
what do the semi circular canals form
the dynamic system and detects angular acceleration
what do the otolith organs form
the static system and detect linear acceleration
what are otoconia
calcium carbonate crystals that form the striola which in turn rests on the otolithic membrane
rely on inertia to function by detecting changes in linear acceleration
where are the hair cells embedded
the gelatinous layer
what are the semi circular canals filled with
endolymph
what is endolymph
high K+ solution with signal transduction occurring in the ampullae
what are the semi circular canals sensitive to
pitch, roll and yaw. essential for coordination of eye movement
what does fluid movement do
displaces a gelatinous mass known as the capula
