Vestibulaarfunktsioon

Vestibulaarfunktsioon refers to the sense of balance and spatial orientation, primarily mediated by the vestibular system in the inner ear. This system is crucial for maintaining posture, stabilizing gaze during head movements, and providing our brain with information about our position and motion in space.

The vestibular system comprises two main components: the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. The three semicircular canals are oriented in different planes and detect rotational movements of the head, such as turning or nodding. When the head moves, the fluid within the canals shifts, stimulating sensory hair cells that send signals to the brain.

The otolith organs, specifically the utricle and saccule, detect linear acceleration and gravity. They contain small calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia that rest on a gelatinous membrane. As the head moves or tilts, these crystals shift, bending the underlying hair cells and transmitting information about acceleration and gravitational pull.

Information from the vestibular system travels via the vestibular nerve to various parts of the brain, including the brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. This processing allows for coordinated muscle movements to maintain balance, stabilization of vision, and the perception of motion and orientation. Disruptions to vestibular function can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and difficulties with balance and coordination.