vestibular system

Function

• mediates the labyrinthine sense a component of balance
  • perception of gravity, speed, & rotation

Includes:

• labyrinth
• vestibular nerve

Constituents

• labyrinth
  • cochlea
  • saccule
  • utricle
  • semicircular canal
  • vestibule
• otoliths

Pathology

• cerebellar-vestibular symptoms include:
  • nystagmus
  • ataxia
  • diplopia
  • vertigo
• vestibular dysfunction is common in the elderly

* Proprioception & cerebellar function also contribute to the sense of balance, but are not part of the vestibular system.

More general terms

• organ system

Additional terms

• age-associated changes in the vestibular system
• auditory system
• vestibular disorder (vestibulopathy)
• vestibular nerve
• vestibular nucleus

Components

• labyrinth (inner ear)
• vestibular nerve