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The Ear as an organ of Balance.





Each time someone asks us what our organs of hearing are, without thinking twice, we mention the ear which of course is true. But not so many of us also know that aside from performing the function of hearing, the ear is also responsible for our sense of balance in body movement in collaboration with the skeletal muscles and the brain.

This is what we hope to dissect in this article.
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The ear is a sensory organ that picks up sound waves, allowing us to hear. In addition to that it is also essential to our sense of balance.

The Organ of Balance.
The part of the ear responsible for our sense of balance is known as the VESTIBULAR SYSTEM.
-It is found in the inner ear.
-It consists of 3 semi-circular Canals and two otholith organs known as the SACCULE and UTRICLE.

The Semi circular canals.
-They are three in number, superior posterior and horizontal.
-The are lined with microscopic hair cells.
-The canals are also filled with a fluid called the ENDOLYMPH.


Functions and Mechanism of Action of the Semi circular canals.

-Each time the head moves, the endolymph moves the hair cells, then movements of the hair cells are communicated to the brain via the vestibular nerves.
As a result the brain knows how to keep the body balanced regardless of the individual's posture.

-Each of these canals provide a separate sense of directional balance.
-The anterior canal detects forward and backward head movements such as nodding.
-The posterior canal detects head tilt movements like tipping the head toward the shoulders.
-The horizontal canal detects horizontal movements of the head such as swiveling the head from side to side.

The Otolith Organs.

They are found under the semi circular canals and have a similar function.
They also contain sensory hair cells but unlike those in the semi circular canals, these ones have small crystals on them known as otholiths or 'ear rocks'.

Function.
The otholith organs detect acceleration in movement for example when you take an elevator or gather speed or apply brakes in a car.

The balance system works with the visual and skeletal systems (the muscles and joints and their sensors) to maintain orientation or balance.

Disorders associated with Balance.

When the sense of balance is interrupted it causes dizziness, disorientation and nausea.

Balance can also be upset by inner ear infections, vertigo, and space travels. Blows on the side of the head can also affect sense of balance.
Labyrinthitis which is the inflammation of the inner ear can also affect the vestibular system which can in turn lead to a problem with one's sense of balance.

Credits :
www.healthline.com
www.medicinenet.com
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.pubmed.com





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