Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a constituent part of the vestibular organ?
Which of the following is NOT a constituent part of the vestibular organ?
- Anterior semicircular canal
- Posterior semicircular canal
- Lateral semicircular canal
- Cochlea (correct)
Vestibular hair cells depolarize when moved away from the kinocilium.
Vestibular hair cells depolarize when moved away from the kinocilium.
False (B)
Name the two otolith organs responsible for detecting head position relative to gravity.
Name the two otolith organs responsible for detecting head position relative to gravity.
utricle and saccule
The __________ canals detect angular acceleration through the movement of endolymph.
The __________ canals detect angular acceleration through the movement of endolymph.
Match the following vestibular functions with the responsible anatomical structure:
Match the following vestibular functions with the responsible anatomical structure:
What happens to the stereocilia in the semicircular canals at the beginning of head rotation?
What happens to the stereocilia in the semicircular canals at the beginning of head rotation?
The vestibular nerve transmits information to the spinal cord before reaching the brainstem.
The vestibular nerve transmits information to the spinal cord before reaching the brainstem.
Name the reflex that is responsible for producing eye movements in the opposite direction of head rotation.
Name the reflex that is responsible for producing eye movements in the opposite direction of head rotation.
Which of the following cranial nerves is NOT directly involved in executing the vestibulo-ocular reflex?
Which of the following cranial nerves is NOT directly involved in executing the vestibulo-ocular reflex?
When vestibular hair cells are moved _______ the kinocilium, they hyperpolarize, leading to inhibition.
When vestibular hair cells are moved _______ the kinocilium, they hyperpolarize, leading to inhibition.
Which of the following is a primary function of the vestibular system?
Which of the following is a primary function of the vestibular system?
The saccule primarily detects linear acceleration in the horizontal plane, while the utricle detects vertical acceleration.
The saccule primarily detects linear acceleration in the horizontal plane, while the utricle detects vertical acceleration.
What is the name of the fluid within the semicircular canals that moves to stimulate hair cells?
What is the name of the fluid within the semicircular canals that moves to stimulate hair cells?
At the end of head rotation, the ______ continues moving, causing an opposite deflection of the stereocilia.
At the end of head rotation, the ______ continues moving, causing an opposite deflection of the stereocilia.
Match the following structures with their role in the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR):
Match the following structures with their role in the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR):
Which part of the brain receives vestibular information directly from the vestibular nerve?
Which part of the brain receives vestibular information directly from the vestibular nerve?
The primary function of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is to enhance the perception of blurred vision during head movements.
The primary function of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is to enhance the perception of blurred vision during head movements.
What type of acceleration is detected by the otolith organs?
What type of acceleration is detected by the otolith organs?
Vestibular information is transmitted via the vestibular nerve, which is part of cranial nerve number ____.
Vestibular information is transmitted via the vestibular nerve, which is part of cranial nerve number ____.
Which of the following is the correct sequence of events for depolarization of vestibular hair cells?
Which of the following is the correct sequence of events for depolarization of vestibular hair cells?
The vestibular system solely relies on the visual system for maintaining balance.
The vestibular system solely relies on the visual system for maintaining balance.
Name one target area in the brainstem that receives vestibular information from the vestibular nuclei.
Name one target area in the brainstem that receives vestibular information from the vestibular nuclei.
The vestibulo-ocular reflex stabilizes ____ during head movements.
The vestibulo-ocular reflex stabilizes ____ during head movements.
Match the following vestibular components with their respective function:
Match the following vestibular components with their respective function:
If the stereocilia in the semicircular canals are deflected away from the kinocilium, what is the resulting effect on the hair cell?
If the stereocilia in the semicircular canals are deflected away from the kinocilium, what is the resulting effect on the hair cell?
Flashcards
Vestibular Organ Components
Vestibular Organ Components
Three semicircular canals (anterior, posterior, lateral) and two otolith organs (utricle and saccule).
Hair Cell Sensitivity
Hair Cell Sensitivity
Toward kinocilium: Depolarization (excitation). Away: Hyperpolarization (inhibition).
Vestibular Organ Functions
Vestibular Organ Functions
Sensing head position, linear/angular acceleration, balance/posture, and eye movement coordination.
Detecting Head Position
Detecting Head Position
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Detecting Linear Acceleration
Detecting Linear Acceleration
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Detecting Angular Acceleration
Detecting Angular Acceleration
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Stereocilia Deflection
Stereocilia Deflection
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Vestibular Info Pathways
Vestibular Info Pathways
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Eye Movement Mechanism
Eye Movement Mechanism
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Study Notes
- The vestibular organ includes the three semicircular canals (anterior, posterior, and lateral), and the otolith organs (utricle and saccule).
Vestibular Hair Cells
- Vestibular hair cells are polarized, possessing a specific orientation that makes them sensitive to movement in a preferred direction.
- Movement toward the kinocilium leads to depolarization (excitation).
- Movement away from the kinocilium causes hyperpolarization (inhibition).
Functions of the Vestibular System
- Senses head position relative to gravity.
- Detects linear acceleration (e.g., moving forward or upward).
- Detects angular acceleration (head rotation).
- Contributes to balance and posture.
- Aids eye movement coordination via the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
Sensing Head Position and Linear Acceleration
- The otolith organs (utricle and saccule) detect head position relative to gravity.
- The otolith organs (utricle and saccule) detect linear acceleration due to the movement of the otolithic membrane.
Sensing Angular Acceleration
- The semicircular canals detect angular acceleration using the movement of endolymph within them.
Deflection of Stereocilia in Semicircular Canals
- At the beginning of head rotation, endolymph lags, pushing the cupula and bending the stereocilia.
- At the end of head rotation, endolymph continues moving, causing an opposite deflection of the stereocilia.
Vestibular Pathways
- Vestibular information is transmitted via the vestibular nerve (part of CN VIII) to the vestibular nuclei in the brainstem.
- Signals are sent to the cerebellum, spinal cord, thalamus, and cortex for balance, posture, and eye movements.
Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR)
- The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) controls eye movement opposite to head rotation, stabilizing gaze.
- The vestibular system signals the oculomotor (CN III), trochlear (CN IV), and abducens (CN VI) nuclei to move the eyes opposite to head rotation, maintaining visual focus.
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