Vestibular inputs

• Provides information for orientation of the trunk and head to gravity, especially when the surface is unstable.
• The vestibular system consists of two types of structures located in the inner ear,
  • Labyrinths that encode head rotational acceleration
    • The labyrinth consists of three, fluid-filled, semicircular canals that each sense a different direction of head rotation via motion of hair cells imbedded in the cristae, the sensory tissue.
  • Otoliths that encode head linear acceleration, including gravity consist of the:
    • utricle which senses horizontal linear acceleration such as during walking
    • saccule which senses vertical acceleration such as during falling.

Vestibular information is thought to help the somatosensory system distinguish a stable from an unstable surface and then become increasingly important for controlling postural orientation the more unstable is the surface .

To challenge the vestibular system have your clients stand on uneven surfaces and decrease the visual system.