Acute Medicine | Unsteadiness 01 knowledge A

The Vestibular System and its Connections
Session Overview
Description
This session will cover the basic anatomy and function of the vestibular system and its connections.

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Recall the basic anatomy and function of the vestibular system and its central connections

The vestibular system is located within the inner ear and is the main sensory organ concerned with balance and movement.

Endolymphatic fluid within the vestibular labyrinth is in direct communication with the cochlea, which is the main sensory organ to do with hearing.

The vestibular and auditory apparatus also share a common blood supply.

Disorders affecting the vestibular apparatus are therefore commonly accompanied by tinnitus and/or hearing loss.

The vestibular apparatus consists of:

• Three semicircular canals
• Two otolith organs