PSY 100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Postcentral Gyrus, Vestibular System, Vestibular Nerve
Document Summary
Not only is the inner ear involved in hearing; it is also related to our ability to balance and sense where we are in space. The vestibular system consists of three semicircular canals fluid-filled bone structures that contain cells that respond to changes in the position of the head in space. Information from the vestibular system is sent to muscles involved in the movement of our eyes, neck, and other parts of our body via the vestibular nerve (the other division of the vestibulocochlear nerve). This knowledge helps us to hold our eyes on an object while we"re in motion. Vestibular system disruptions can lead to balance problems like vertigo. Our skin, the largest organ in the body, provides us with all kinds of information, like whether something is smooth or bumpy, hot or cold, or even if it"s painful.
