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Question

Describe the vestibular system and its function. What happens when it receives contradictory sensory information?

Answer 1

The Vestibular System and Its Function

The vestibular system is a sensory system located in the inner ear that plays a critical role in maintaining balance, spatial orientation, and coordination. It detects changes in head position and motion, helping you maintain balance and posture as you move.

It consists of:

1. Semicircular canals: Three fluid-filled tubes (arranged at right angles to each other) that detect rotational movements (e.g., turning your head).
2. Otolith organs (utricle and saccule): These detect linear accelerations (e.g., moving up in an elevator or forward in a car) and changes in head position relative to gravity.

These organs send signals to the brain that help you understand your body's position in space and maintain equilibrium.

What Happens When It Receives Contradictory Sensory Information?

When the vestibular system receives conflicting sensory information, it can lead to a state of sensory mismatch, which can cause discomfort or disorientation. For example:

1. Motion sickness: This occurs when there is a conflict between the signals from your inner ear (vestibular system) and other sensory systems, like your vision. For instance, if you are reading in a moving car, your eyes might be focused on a stationary book, while your inner ear senses the motion of the car. The brain gets mixed signals, leading to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and sweating.
2. Vertigo: A condition where the vestibular system's input is inconsistent with what your visual system or proprioception senses, resulting in a sensation of spinning or dizziness.

Conclusion

The vestibular system helps maintain balance and orientation. When it receives contradictory sensory input (e.g., from vision or proprioception), it can cause confusion in the brain, leading to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or vertigo.