NERVOUS SYSTEM SENSES - EQUILIBRIUM

Equilibrium

The brain's ability to perceive head position and movement, relying on inner ear structures and other sensory inputs.

Static equilibrium

Perceived when the head is stationary or moving straight.

Dynamic equilibrium

Perceived during the head's rotation.

Saccule

A structure that perceives vertical head movement, such as in an elevator.

Utricle

A structure that perceives horizontal head movement, such as during car acceleration.

Otoliths

Small structures that. influenced by gravity, bend hair cells when the head tilts, initiating neurotransmitter release.

Crista ampullaris

A patch of hair cells located in the ampulla of each semicircular canal, involved in dynamic equilibrium.

Cupula

A gel cap that covers the crista ampullaris in semicircular canals.

Endolymph

The fluid that fills each semicircular canal and is involved in the process of dynamic equilibrium.

Vestibular nerve

The nerve that transmits sensory messages for equilibrium to the brain.

Cranial Nerves III, IV, VI

Nerves that coordinate eye movements as part of the pathway for equilibrium.

Pathway for equilibrium

Includes the spinal cord, cerebellum, cranial nerves, and thalamus for processing head position and movement.