vestibule
Quick Summary
The vestibule is a crucial part of the inner ear and plays a vital role in maintaining balance. It contains two fluid-filled sacs, the utricle and the saccule, which are sensitive to gravity and linear acceleration. These sacs house sensory cells with hair-like structures that detect head movements and tilts, sending signals to the brainstem via the vestibulocochlear nerve. The vestibule also connects to the semicircular canals, which detect rotational movements. Together, these structures form the vestibular system, essential for coordinating head and eye movements and maintaining postural equilibrium. Disturbances in the vestibular system can lead to vertigo and disorientation.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
inner earEquilibrium…divisions of the inner ear—the vestibule and the semicircular canals—are involved in the sense of equilibrium. Each has an organ containing hair cells similar to those of the organ of Corti. The utricle and saccule each contain a macula, an organ consisting of a patch of hair cells covered by…
Read More…divisions of the inner ear—the vestibule and the semicircular canals—are involved in the sense of equilibrium. Each has an organ containing hair cells similar to those of the organ of Corti. The utricle and saccule each contain a macula, an organ consisting of a patch of hair cells covered by…
Read More
human sensory receptionVestibular sense (equilibrium)…sacs or enlargements of the vestibule (the saccule and utricle) react to steady (static) pressures (e.g., those of gravitational forces). Hair cells within these structures, similar to those of the semicircular canal, possess stereocilia and a kinocilium. They also are covered by a gelatinous cap in which are embedded small…
Read More…sacs or enlargements of the vestibule (the saccule and utricle) react to steady (static) pressures (e.g., those of gravitational forces). Hair cells within these structures, similar to those of the semicircular canal, possess stereocilia and a kinocilium. They also are covered by a gelatinous cap in which are embedded small…
Read More
human earThe physiology of balance: vestibular function…utricle and saccule within the vestibule, which respond to changes in the position of the head with respect to gravity (linear acceleration). The information these organs deliver is proprioceptive in character, dealing with events within the body itself, rather than exteroceptive, dealing with events outside the body, as in the…
Read More…utricle and saccule within the vestibule, which respond to changes in the position of the head with respect to gravity (linear acceleration). The information these organs deliver is proprioceptive in character, dealing with events within the body itself, rather than exteroceptive, dealing with events outside the body, as in the…
Read More
- inner ear
…divided into three sections: the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea. Within the bony labyrinth is a membranous labyrinth, which is also divided into three parts: the semicircular ducts; two saclike structures, the saccule and utricle, located in the vestibule; and the cochlear duct, which is the only part…
Read More…divided into three sections: the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea. Within the bony labyrinth is a membranous labyrinth, which is also divided into three parts: the semicircular ducts; two saclike structures, the saccule and utricle, located in the vestibule; and the cochlear duct, which is the only part…
Read More - human earVestibule
The two membranous sacs of the vestibule, the utricle and the saccule, are known as the otolith organs. Because they respond to gravitational forces, they are also called gravity receptors. Each sac has on its inner surface a single patch of sensory cells called…
Read MoreThe two membranous sacs of the vestibule, the utricle and the saccule, are known as the otolith organs. Because they respond to gravitational forces, they are also called gravity receptors. Each sac has on its inner surface a single patch of sensory cells called…
Read More