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