Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University
By A Mystery Man Writer
Last updated 07 Jun 2024
Sometimes called “ear rocks”, small crystals of calcium carbonate (essentially limestone) are found in your inner ear. The technical name for these tiny stones wrapped in a matrix of protein is “otoconia.” They play no role in hearing, but rather are part of the vestibular system that has several functions such as helping you keep your balance and coordinating your eye movements while your head is in motion. Otoconia are an essential component of the utricle and saccule, two vestibular organs in the inner ear that help relay information about linear acceleration and tilting of the head to the brain. In both these organs, specialized hair cells are attached to a gelatinous membrane that contains the otoconia. When the head is tilted, gravity pulls more on the crystals than on the liquid surrounding the hair cells. This results in bending of the hair cells, which is translated into electrical impulses that make their way to the brain. Basically, otoconia keep you from getting dizzy every time you move your head. Isn’t the human body amazing? Dizzyingly so. Caitlin Bard is completing her Bachelor of Science with a major in neuroscience at McGill University. Leave a comment!
Office for Science and Society Schools-University Network - McGill University
An inside look: Undergraduate research with the Animal Inspired Motion and Robotics Lab, Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering
The Numinosity of Rocks - Open Horizons, rocks
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale appears to be kicked by
HOME & AWAY SERIES: Gregarious Gheta gets fitness fix from rock-climbing - McGill University Athletics
Harold C. Urey: Science, Religion, and Cold War Chemistry
Aprenda como copiar e colar Espaço invisível FF (ㅤ)(ᅠ)( ) (PT
The Numinosity of Rocks - Open Horizons, rocks
From Fluid Flow to Coupled Processes in Fractured Rock: Recent Advances and New Frontiers - Viswanathan - 2022 - Reviews of Geophysics - Wiley Online Library
This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession: Levitin, Daniel J.: 9780525949695: : Books
Recommended for you
-
Rocks and minerals - British Geological Survey07 Jun 2024
-
Rock (geology) - Wikipedia07 Jun 2024
-
Igneous Rocks - Geology (U.S. National Park Service)07 Jun 2024
-
Sedimentary rock - Wikipedia07 Jun 2024
-
MSI Grey Island Beach 0.4 cu. ft . per Bag (1 in. to 2 in.) Bagged Landscape Rock 30 lb. Bag LHDPEBQGREISL30 - The Home Depot07 Jun 2024
-
How Are Rocks Made?07 Jun 2024
-
Carbonate Rocks – Geology is the Way07 Jun 2024
-
Sedimentary Rocks - Formation, Types, Examples - Geology In07 Jun 2024
-
How to Remove Rocks From Your Yard07 Jun 2024
-
Rocks Are Earth's Greatest Storytellers07 Jun 2024
You may also like
-
OIAGLH 4pcs Dispenser Scrapbooking Double Sided Durable Office07 Jun 2024
-
StarCraft Inkjet Printable for Matte Permanent Adhesive Vinyl07 Jun 2024
-
Small 2-Hole Transparent Backing Buttons07 Jun 2024
-
How to Make Deckle Edged Journal Paper07 Jun 2024
-
Sublimation Mugs - Sublimation Blank Mugs at Rs 38/piece, Naranpura, Ahmedabad07 Jun 2024
-
Ohuhu Honolulu 320 Marker Swatch Blank Chart Printable DIY Color Chart Download and Print at Home Digital PDF US Letter & A4 Size07 Jun 2024
-
Prismacolor Pencil Sharpener 88586272221107 Jun 2024
-
Bamboo Noodle Board Stove Covers with Built-in Handles,Stove Top Covers for Electric Stoves, RV Cookware, Farmhouse Stove Cover Cutting Board with07 Jun 2024
-
6” Plastic Ruler07 Jun 2024
-
Mooncake Manual Press Mold Reusable Festival Cookie Decorate - Temu07 Jun 2024