Definition
The vestibular system is responsible for equilibrioception, including detection of motion and positional changes, sense of balance, and spatial orientation.
Current Knowledge
The end organs of the vestibular system, which is closely connected to the auditory system, are located in the inner ear. The vestibular system is responsible for equilibrioception, including detection of motion and positional changes, sense of balance, and spatial orientation. It plays a major role in such basic functions as standing upright, coordination and movement, and in maintaining one’s balance and equilibrium. This is accomplished by detecting the position of the head relative to gravitational forces and its motion, which then lead to compensating, reflexive adjustments of the trunk and/or limbs. This system also contributes to the adjustment of heart rate and blood pressure, muscle tone, and limb position.
The vestibular system portion of the inner ear is comprised of several components – the...
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References and Readings
Highstein, S. M., Fay, R. R., & Popper, A. N. (Eds.). (2004). The vestibular system. Berlin: Springer.
Wilson-Pauwek, L., Akesson, E. J., Stewart, P. A., & Spacey, S. D. (2002). Cranial nerves in health and disease. Hamilton: B.C. Decker.
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Kleiner, J.S. (2018). Vestibular System. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_815
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_815
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Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57110-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57111-9
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