Vestibular Function Flashcards
What is the vestibular system?
A sensory system essential in the control of posture and balance
Where is the vestibular system found and what is it made up of?
In the ear and is a series of fluid filled membranous tubes (labyrinths) which are embedded in the temporal bone

What does the vestibular apparatus consist of?
3 semi-circular canals
Utricle to which the semi-circular cannals all connect
Saccule
What do the semi-circular canals connect to?
Utricle
How are the 3 semi-circular canals positioned in relation to each other?
Right angles
What is found at the bases of the semi-circular canals?
Swellings called ampulla that contain hair cells
Where are hair cells found in the vestibular apparatus?
Ampulla
Utricle
Saccule
What are the utricle and saccule collectively known as?
Otolith organs
What parts of the vestibular apparatus detect linear acceleration?
Otolith organs (utricle and saccule)
What part of the vestibular apparatus detect rotational acceleration?
Semi-circular canals (SCCs)
What do the otolith organs do?
Detect linear acceleration and encode information about the position of the head in space
Back/front tilt is detected by the utricle
Vertical movement is detected by the saccule
What is back/front tilt detected by?
Utricle
What is vertical movement detected by?
Saccule
What does SCC stand for?
Semi circularcanals
What is A?
Superior semicircular canal
What is B?
Horizontal semi-circular canal
What is C?
Posterior semi-circular canal
What is D?
Cristae within ampulla
What is E?
Utricle
What is F?
Saccule
What is G?
Maculae
What is H?
Cochlea
What is the ampulla?
The senosry cells of the semi-circular canals which are embedded in swellings at the base of the bony canals
What are the sensory receptors called that are found with the ampulla?
Cristae








