The vestibular system forms an integral part of the human balance system, which consists of a complex set of sensorimotor control systems. The vestibular system is one of these groups and is further divided into two groups:
- Peripheral (meaning: located away from the centre of the body) vestibular system:
This consists of 3 parts in each ear namely: utricle, saccule and three semicircular canals.
- Central Vestibular System
This consists of the vestibular nuclei, cerebellum and midbrain.
Sensory information about motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation is provided by the peripheral vestibular system (located inside the ears). The utricle and saccule send information regarding movement in a vertical orientation and linear movement. The semicircular canals are able to detect rotational movements of the head. This stimulates receptors, which send impulses to the brain about the specific movements. Information is than integrated in the central vestibular system.
A properly functioning vestibular system, together with other sensorimotor systems “allows humans to see clearly while moving, identify orientation with respect to gravity, determine direction and speed of movement, and make automatic postural adjustments to maintain posture and stability in various conditions and activities.”
In part 2 of the vestibular system, we will discuss the signs and symptoms when a component of the vestibular system is damaged and how a physiotherapist can help.
References: https://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorder/human-balance-system
Megyn Robertson (Msc Physio):CERVICAL SPINE,TMJ AND HEADACHE WITH AN INTRO TO CONCUSSION:p51 (2018)
