Sense of balance

Sense of Balance

The sense of balance or equilibrioception is one of the physiological senses related to balance. It helps prevent humans and animals from falling over when standing or moving. Balance is the result of a number of body systems working together: the eyes (visual system), ears (vestibular system) and the body's sense of where it is in space (proprioception) ideally need to be intact.

Mechanism

The vestibular system, the region of the inner ear where three semicircular canals converge, works with the visual system to keep objects in focus when the head is moving. This is called the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR).

The balance function of the vestibular system uses the mechanical hair cells of the semicircular canal system. It interprets the head's 3D orientation by detecting angular momentum. This works in conjunction with the otolith organs which detect linear accelerations.

Disorders

Balance disorders can be caused by certain health conditions, medications, or a problem in the inner ear or the brain. A balance disorder can profoundly affect daily activities and cause psychological and emotional hardship.

See also

• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Proprioception
• Vestibular system
• Balance disorder

External links

• Balance Disorders - National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Sense of balance Resources
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