Physiology, Vestibular System Author: Casale J1, Gupta G2. Affiliation: 1 Campbell University School of OM/WakeMed 2 IGMC Conference/Journal: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing Date published: 2018 Oct 23 Other: Word Count: 148 The vestibular system is a complex set of structures and neural pathways that serves a wide variety of functions that contribute to our sense of proprioception and equilibrium. These functions include the sensation of orientation and acceleration of the head in any direction with associated compensation in eye movement and posture. These reflexes are referred to as the vestibuloocular and vestibulospinal reflexes, respectively. The centrally located vestibular system involves neural pathways in the brain that respond to afferent input from the peripheral vestibular system in the inner ear and provide efferent signals that make these reflexes possible. Current data suggest that the vestibular system also plays a role in consciousness, and dysfunctions of the system can cause cognitive deficits related to spatial memory, learning, and navigation.[1][2][3] Copyright © 2018, StatPearls Publishing LLC. Sections Introduction Cellular Development Function Mechanism Related Testing Clinical Significance Questions References PMID: 30422573 Free Books & DocumentsFree full text