proprioception: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	equilibrium • balance

Photos and Videos

Diagram of the human vestibular system showing the membranous labyrinth with labeled structures for balance: the cristae in the semicircular ducts and the maculae in the utricle and saccule. Insets detail the crista with hair cells and cupula, and the macula with hair cells, otolithic membrane, and supporting structures.

Diagram showing how the maculae in the inner ear respond to gravity for balance. One panel illustrates upright hair cells when the head is upright, and another shows tilted hair cells when the head bends forward, helping maintain static equilibrium.

Diagram showing the physiology of balance with two main parts: at left, a cross-section of the crista in the horizontal canal with labeled hair bundles, hair cells, and cupula above a stationary person; at right, the same structures during head rotation above a spinning person, illustrating how the cupula shifts to detect movement.

Why do roller coasters make us feel dizzy?

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Topics

hydrodynamic concept hydrostatic concept statocyst statolith vestibular system proprioceptor Mechanoreception sound reception Electroreception

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