Physiology 3120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Reticular Formation, Smooth Pursuit, Saccade

• School: Western University
• Department: Physiology
• Course: Physiology 3120
• Professor: Tom Stavraky

Document Summary

Vestibular system consists of hair cells inside membranous tubules filled with fluid. Vestibular system has two functions: record position and movement of head in space. We never consciously think about the function of the vestibular system. We are conscious of it only in abnormal situations when get symptoms of dizzy, nauseous or get vertigo (think the world is turning round and round) Three semi circular canals are made up of hair cells in fluid filled space in different planes. One semi circular canal filled with fluid called endolymph. Cupula consists of hair cells and the hair cells are embedded in a gelatinous wedge. Endolymph has mass and inertia so when head turns counter clockwise, the endolymph due to inertia gets left behind and wrt to the head will move clockwise. Endolymph pushes on cupula which causes the hair cells to bend to signal rotational acceleration.