Each of the semicircular canals end in a space that has small hair cells in it. These spaces are called ampullae. Whenever we turn our head, the inner ear turns along with it. But it takes a very brief moment for the fluid in the semicircular canals and ampullae to move with our head too. This means that the sensory hair cells in the ear are bent by the “slow” fluid. The hair cells then send this information to the brain via nerves.
Each of the three semicircular canals is responsible for a specific direction of head movement: One of the canals responds to the head
- tilting upwards or downwards,
- one responds to it tilting to the right or to the left, and
- one responds to it turning sideways.
The otolith organs are found diagonally under the semicircular canals and have a similar function: There are also thin sensory hair cells in both organs. The difference is that, unlike in the semicircular canals, there are small crystals on the hair cells – like pebbles on a carpet. These crystals are called otoliths or “ear rocks.” The otolith organs detect acceleration, for instance when you take an elevator, fall, or gather speed or brake in a car.
Information coming from the vestibular system is processed in the brain and then sent on to other organs that need this information, such as the eyes, joints or muscles. This allows us to keep our balance and know what position our body is in.
In some situations, for example on a ship or airplane, different sensory organs (e.g. the eyes and the organ of balance) send contradictory messages to the brain. This can cause us to feel unwell, dizzy or nauseous.
The vestibular system is especially sensitive in children, and reacts more slowly to movements as we grow older. Inner ear infections and other problems may also affect how well our sense of balance works.
