Vestibular

Vestibular system is a complex set of structures and pathways in the inner ear and brain that helps to control balance and eye movements. The system is named after the vestibule of the inner ear, where the sensory organs for balance are located.

Anatomy

The vestibular system consists of two main parts: the peripheral vestibular system, which is located in the inner ear, and the central vestibular system, which is located in the brain. The peripheral vestibular system includes the semicircular canals, which detect rotational movements, and the otolith organs, which detect linear movements. The central vestibular system includes the vestibular nuclei in the brainstem and the vestibular cortex in the cerebral cortex.

Function

The main function of the vestibular system is to detect changes in head position and motion, and to use this information to maintain balance and stabilize gaze. This is achieved through a process called vestibular compensation, in which the brain adjusts the signals it receives from the vestibular system to compensate for changes in head position or motion.

Clinical significance

Dysfunction of the vestibular system can lead to a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and nystagmus. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, including vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Diagnosis of vestibular disorders typically involves a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and specialized tests such as vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) and videonystagmography (VNG).

See also

• Balance disorder
• Vestibular rehabilitation
• Vestibular system

References

Vestibular Resources
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