The Vestibular System: Balance (not done)

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What are the vestibular system functions?

• Detects head position and movement in relation to gravity and body

• Closely related to the visual system by helping eye move when the head moves

• Connected with auditory, proprioceptive and motor systems

• Influences muscle tone, visual gaze, spatial directionality, head and body orientation, emotional development

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The hard, outer bone housing the inner ear system

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What does each semicircular canal contain?

• Membranous semicircular duct (fluid-filled)

• Ampulla: enlarged area at the base of each duct 

• Crista ampullaris: small “bump” on the ampulla with hair cells (receptors)

• Cupula: jelly like mass sitting over the hair cells