Vestibular System

Question 0

Where is the receptor organ for the vestibular system located?

Answer 0

Inner ear

Question 1

What is the main function of the vestibular system?

Answer 1

Special proprioceptive system - maintain orientation with respect to gravity
Maintain position of eyes, trunk and limbs in relation to movement of head

Question 2

What nerve carries signals from the inner ear to the vestibular nuclei?

Answer 2

Vestibular nerve (CNVIII)

Question 3

Where are the vestibular nuclei located?

Answer 3

Medulla and pons

Question 4

What are the two main components of the vestibular system?

Answer 4

Peripheral receptor apparatus

Vestibular nuclei in brain stem

Question 5

What is the function of the peripheral apparatus in relation to the vestibular system?

Answer 5

Transduction of head position and motion

Question 6

What is the function of this vestibular nuclei in relation to the vestibular system?

Answer 6

Receives, integrates and distributes information controlling eye and head movements, axial musculature, postural reflexes and spatial orientation.
This is achieved via 3 different networks

Question 7

What are the 3 networks that aid the vestibular nuclei in the integration/distribution of information?

Answer 7

Vestibulo-ocular network
Vestibulo-spinal network
Vestibulo-thalamao-cortical network

Question 8

What is the function of the vestibulo-ocular network?

Answer 8

Control of eye movements

Question 9

What is the function of the vestibulo-spinal network?

Answer 9

Coordinates head movements, axial musculature and postural reflexes

Question 10

What is the function of the vestibulo-thalamao-cortical network?

Answer 10

Conscious perception of movement and spatial orientation

Question 11

Describe the anatomy of the vestibular apparatus

Answer 11

3 semicircular canals filled with endolymph which move in reasoned to head movement, at the base is the ampulla
Utricle
Saccule communicated with cochlear duct via small canal reuniens
Connected by endolymphatic duct