Vestibular System

The balance or vestibular system is one of the oldest sensory systems and is involved in detecting motion and position of the head and body. Movement of the head is detected by the vestibular system, which then acts to stabilize vision, maintain posture, upright stance, and initiate autonomic reflexes during self-generated motion. Typically, the function of the vestibular system remains below conscious perception, due to its extraordinary ability to detect motion and initiate vestibular reflexes to maintain normal function. The crucial, yet subconscious, function of the vestibular system becomes apparent when disease, damage, or dysfunction of the vestibular system occurs. It is then that a person senses often-debilitating disequilibrium, vertigo, or dizziness.

The vestibular system is composed of the peripheral vestibular system that consists of sense ...