16. The vestibular system and the sense of balance
16. The vestibular system and the sense of balance
- Gillian Pocock, Gillian PocockSenior Lecturer in Clinical Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
- Christopher D. RichardsChristopher D. RichardsEmeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- and David A. RichardsDavid A. RichardsAssociate Professor, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine, USA
Abstract
This chapter highlights the important role the sense of balance plays in the maintenance of normal posture and in stabilizing the retinal image, particularly during running and walking. It refers to people with impaired vestibular function. These people often have difficulty in walking over irregular or compliant surfaces, particularly when they are deprived of visual cues. Such people also have difficulty with their vision during walking, as the visual world appears to move up and down rather than remaining stable as it does for normal individuals. The chapter explores the basic structure and function of the vestibular system and some common vestibular disorders. The organ of balance is the vestibular portion of the inner ear, which consists of two chambers, the utricle and saccule, and three semicircular canals.
