Sense of balance: Difference between revisions
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'''Equilibrioception''' or '''sense of [[balance (ability)|balance ]]''' is one of the [[physiology|physiological]] [[sense]]s. It helps prevent [[human]]s and [[animal]]s from falling over when [[walking]] or standing still. |
'''Equilibrioception''' or '''sense of [[balance (ability)|balance ]]''' is one of the [[physiology|physiological]] [[sense]]s. It helps prevent [[human]]s and [[animal]]s from falling over when [[walking]] or standing still. |
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==Normal balance functioning== |
==Normal balance functioning== |
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Balance is the result of a number of body systems working together. Specifically, in order to achieve balance the eyes (visual system), ears (vestibular system) and the body's sense of where it is in space (proprioception) ideally need to be intact. |
Balance is the result of a number of body systems working together. Specifically, in order to achieve balance the eyes (visual system), ears (vestibular system) and the body's sense of where it is in space (proprioception) ideally need to be intact. |
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The vestibule is the region of the inner ear where the semicircular canals converge,close to the [[cochlea]] (the hearing organ). The vestibular system works with the visual system to keep objects in focus when the head is moving. This is called the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). |
The vestibule is the region of the inner ear where the semicircular canals converge,close to the [[cochlea]] (the hearing organ). The vestibular system works with the visual system to keep objects in focus when the head is moving. This is called the [[Vestibulo-ocular reflex|vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)]]. |
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Movement of fluid in the semicircular canals signals the brain about the direction and speed of rotation of the head - for example, whether we are nodding our head up and down or looking from right to left. Each semicircular canal has a bulbed end, or enlarged portion, that contains hair cells. Rotation of the head causes a flow of fluid, which in turn causes displacement of the top portion of the hair cells that are embedded in the jelly-like cupula. Two other organs that are part of the vestibular system are the utricle and saccule. These are called the otolithic organs and are responsible for detecting linear acceleration, or movement in a straight line. The hair cells of the otolithic organs are blanketed with a jelly-like layer studded with tiny calcium stones called otoconia. When the head is tilted or the body position is changed with respect to gravity, the displacement of the stones causes the hair cells to bend. |
Movement of fluid in the semicircular canals signals the brain about the direction and speed of rotation of the head - for example, whether we are nodding our head up and down or looking from right to left. Each semicircular canal has a bulbed end, or enlarged portion, that contains hair cells. Rotation of the head causes a flow of fluid, which in turn causes displacement of the top portion of the hair cells that are embedded in the jelly-like cupula. Two other organs that are part of the vestibular system are the utricle and saccule. These are called the otolithic organs and are responsible for detecting linear acceleration, or movement in a straight line. The hair cells of the otolithic organs are blanketed with a jelly-like layer studded with tiny calcium stones called otoconia. When the head is tilted or the body position is changed with respect to gravity, the displacement of the stones causes the hair cells to bend. |
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The balance system works with the visual and skeletal systems (the muscles and joints and their sensors) to maintain orientation or balance. For example, visual signals are sent to the brain about the body's position in relation to its surroundings. These signals are processed by the brain, and compared to information from the vestibular, visual and the skeletal systems. |
The balance system works with the visual and skeletal systems (the muscles and joints and their sensors) to maintain orientation or balance. For example, visual signals are sent to the brain about the body's position in relation to its surroundings. These signals are processed by the brain, and compared to information from the vestibular, visual and the skeletal systems. |
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==In humans== |
== In humans == |
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In humans, equilibrioception is mainly sensed by the detection of acceleration, which occurs in the [[vestibular system]]. Other senses play roles as well, e.g. the [[visual system]] and [[proprioception]]. The importance of visual input for balance is illustrated by its being harder to stand on one foot with eyes closed than with eyes open. |
In humans, equilibrioception is mainly sensed by the detection of acceleration, which occurs in the [[vestibular system]]. Other senses play roles as well, e.g. the [[visual system]] and [[proprioception]]. The importance of visual input for balance is illustrated by its being harder to stand on one foot with eyes closed than with eyes open. |
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The sense of balance, usually, deteriorates in the process of [[aging]] of a person. However, it can be improved considerably with the help of special training. |
The sense of balance, usually, deteriorates in the process of [[aging]] of a person. However, it can be improved considerably with the help of special training. |
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===Vestibular system=== |
=== Vestibular system === |
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{{Main|Vestibular system}} |
{{Main|Vestibular system}} |
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In the vestibular system, equilibrioception is determined by the level of [[fluid]] properly called [[endolymph]] in the [[labyrinth (inner ear)|labyrinth]] - a complex set of tubing in the inner [[ear]]. |
In the vestibular system, equilibrioception is determined by the level of [[fluid]] properly called [[endolymph]] in the [[labyrinth (inner ear)|labyrinth]] - a complex set of tubing in the inner [[ear]]. |
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===Dysfunction=== |
=== Dysfunction === |
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{{main|Balance disorder}} |
{{main|Balance disorder}} |
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<br clear="all"> |
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==In animals== |
== In animals == |
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Some animals have better equilibrioception than humans, for example a [[cat]] uses its [[inner ear]] and [[tail (anatomy)|tail]] to walk on a thin [[fence]]. [http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/e/equilibrioception.htm] |
Some animals have better equilibrioception than humans, for example a [[cat]] uses its [[inner ear]] and [[tail (anatomy)|tail]] to walk on a thin [[fence]]. [http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/e/equilibrioception.htm] |
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Equilibrioception in many marine animals is done with an entirely different organ, the [[statocyst]], which detects the position of tiny calcareous stones to determine which way is "up". |
Equilibrioception in many marine animals is done with an entirely different organ, the [[statocyst]], which detects the position of tiny calcareous stones to determine which way is "up". |
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==Training devices== |
== Training devices == |
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*[[balance ball]] |
* [[balance ball]] |
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*[[balance board]] |
* [[balance board]] |
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*[[balance bicycle]] |
* [[balance bicycle]] |
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*[[BOSU]] |
* [[BOSU]] |
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*[[slackline]] |
* [[slackline]] |
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*[[tight rope]] |
* [[tight rope]] |
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==External links== |
== External links == |
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{{Wikiversity|What is the sixth sense?}} |
{{Wikiversity|What is the sixth sense?}} |
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* McCredie, Scott (2007). [http://www.balancethelostsense.com ''Balance: In search of the lost sense'']. New York: Little, Brown. 296 pp. |
* McCredie, Scott (2007). [http://www.balancethelostsense.com ''Balance: In search of the lost sense'']. New York: Little, Brown. 296 pp. |
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Revision as of 21:41, 14 June 2010
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Equilibrioception or sense of balance is one of the physiological senses. It helps prevent humans and animals from falling over when walking or standing still.
Normal balance functioning
Balance is the result of a number of body systems working together. Specifically, in order to achieve balance the eyes (visual system), ears (vestibular system) and the body's sense of where it is in space (proprioception) ideally need to be intact.
The vestibule is the region of the inner ear where the semicircular canals converge,close to the cochlea (the hearing organ). The vestibular system works with the visual system to keep objects in focus when the head is moving. This is called the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR).
Movement of fluid in the semicircular canals signals the brain about the direction and speed of rotation of the head - for example, whether we are nodding our head up and down or looking from right to left. Each semicircular canal has a bulbed end, or enlarged portion, that contains hair cells. Rotation of the head causes a flow of fluid, which in turn causes displacement of the top portion of the hair cells that are embedded in the jelly-like cupula. Two other organs that are part of the vestibular system are the utricle and saccule. These are called the otolithic organs and are responsible for detecting linear acceleration, or movement in a straight line. The hair cells of the otolithic organs are blanketed with a jelly-like layer studded with tiny calcium stones called otoconia. When the head is tilted or the body position is changed with respect to gravity, the displacement of the stones causes the hair cells to bend.
The balance system works with the visual and skeletal systems (the muscles and joints and their sensors) to maintain orientation or balance. For example, visual signals are sent to the brain about the body's position in relation to its surroundings. These signals are processed by the brain, and compared to information from the vestibular, visual and the skeletal systems.
In humans
In humans, equilibrioception is mainly sensed by the detection of acceleration, which occurs in the vestibular system. Other senses play roles as well, e.g. the visual system and proprioception. The importance of visual input for balance is illustrated by its being harder to stand on one foot with eyes closed than with eyes open.
The sense of balance, usually, deteriorates in the process of aging of a person. However, it can be improved considerably with the help of special training.
Vestibular system
In the vestibular system, equilibrioception is determined by the level of fluid properly called endolymph in the labyrinth - a complex set of tubing in the inner ear.
Dysfunction
When the sense of balance is interrupted it causes dizziness, disorientation and nausea. Balance can be upset by Ménière's disease, superior canal dehiscence syndrome, an inner ear infection, by a bad common cold affecting the head or a number of other medical conditions. It can also be temporarily disturbed by quick or prolonged acceleration, for example riding on a merry-go-round. See also vertigo. Blows can also affect equilibrioreception, especially those to the side of the head or directly to the ear.
Most astronauts find that their sense of balance is impaired when in orbit because they are in a constant state of weightlessness. This causes a form of motion sickness called space adaptation syndrome.
In animals
Some animals have better equilibrioception than humans, for example a cat uses its inner ear and tail to walk on a thin fence. [1]
Equilibrioception in many marine animals is done with an entirely different organ, the statocyst, which detects the position of tiny calcareous stones to determine which way is "up".
Training devices
External links
- McCredie, Scott (2007). Balance: In search of the lost sense. New York: Little, Brown. 296 pp.