Vestibular System

1. From the answer choices below, which one is NOT a function of the vestibular system?

Balance

Monitors changes of position of the head.

Coordinates eye movement with head movement.

Pain perception

Posture

Choices A, B, C, and E are all functions of the vestibular system. Choice D, pain perception, is overseen by the somatosensory system.

Explanation

Choices A, B, C, and E are all functions of the vestibular system. Choice D, pain perception, is overseen by the somatosensory system.

2. What are the two otolith organs?

Cochlea and cilia

Utricle and cochlea

Saccule and utricle

Cilia and saccule

The two otolith organs are the saccule and utricle. These organs are part of the vestibular system in the inner ear and are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and head position. The saccule detects vertical acceleration, while the utricle detects horizontal acceleration. Together, they play a crucial role in maintaining balance and equilibrium. The cochlea, on the other hand, is responsible for hearing, and cilia are tiny hair-like structures found in various parts of the body, including the inner ear.

Explanation

The two otolith organs are the saccule and utricle. These organs are part of the vestibular system in the inner ear and are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and head position. The saccule detects vertical acceleration, while the utricle detects horizontal acceleration. Together, they play a crucial role in maintaining balance and equilibrium. The cochlea, on the other hand, is responsible for hearing, and cilia are tiny hair-like structures found in various parts of the body, including the inner ear.

3. The vestibular system progresses more rapidly than the sense of hearing.

True

False

The vestibular system is responsible for our sense of balance and spatial orientation, while the sense of hearing is responsible for our ability to perceive sound. The vestibular system develops earlier in life compared to the sense of hearing. During fetal development, the vestibular system begins to develop around the 5th week, while the sense of hearing starts to develop around the 18th week. This suggests that the vestibular system progresses more rapidly than the sense of hearing, making the statement true.

Explanation

The vestibular system is responsible for our sense of balance and spatial orientation, while the sense of hearing is responsible for our ability to perceive sound. The vestibular system develops earlier in life compared to the sense of hearing. During fetal development, the vestibular system begins to develop around the 5th week, while the sense of hearing starts to develop around the 18th week. This suggests that the vestibular system progresses more rapidly than the sense of hearing, making the statement true.

4. A baby with a defect in their vestibular system is more likely to be born in the breech position.

True

False

The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. If a baby has a defect in their vestibular system, it can affect their ability to properly position themselves in the womb. This can increase the likelihood of them being in the breech position, where their buttocks or feet are positioned to be delivered first instead of the head.

Explanation

The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. If a baby has a defect in their vestibular system, it can affect their ability to properly position themselves in the womb. This can increase the likelihood of them being in the breech position, where their buttocks or feet are positioned to be delivered first instead of the head.

5. From the answer choices below, which one is NOT a reason as to why vestibular stimulation is beneficial to young infants?

Increases language development

Increases visual alertness

Increases development of reflexes and motor skills

Helps a baby's overall behavioral state

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Explanation

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6. What do the semicircular canals detect?

Linear movements

Head turns

Head tilts

Body's position with respect to gravity

Choices A, C, and D are all detected by the otolith organs.

Explanation

Choices A, C, and D are all detected by the otolith organs.

7. A child's vestibular system has a peak in sensitivity between what period?

Birth to three months

Six to twelve months

One year to two and a half years

Puberty

During the period of six to twelve months, a child's vestibular system reaches its peak sensitivity. The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. At this age, infants are developing their motor skills and beginning to explore their surroundings by crawling, standing, and walking. The heightened sensitivity of the vestibular system during this period helps infants to navigate and adapt to their environment more effectively.

Explanation

During the period of six to twelve months, a child's vestibular system reaches its peak sensitivity. The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. At this age, infants are developing their motor skills and beginning to explore their surroundings by crawling, standing, and walking. The heightened sensitivity of the vestibular system during this period helps infants to navigate and adapt to their environment more effectively.