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The Vestibular System

The Vestibular System

The vestibular system is a set of inner ear structures that provide a sense of balance and spatial orientation. This system is comprised of structures within the labyrinth of the inner ear, including the cochlea and two otolith organs—the utricle and saccule. The labyrinth also contains three semicircular canals—superior, posterior, and horizontal—that are oriented on different planes.

Equilibrium and Balance

Equilibrium and Balance

The inner ear assumes dual functionalities of auditory perception and equilibrium maintenance. The vestibule is the organ responsible for balance. This organ contains mechanoreceptors, specifically hair cells, endowed with stereocilia, which aid in deciphering information regarding the position and motion of our heads. Two intrinsic components, the utricle and saccule, help perceive head position, while the semicircular canals track head movement. Neurological messages initiated in the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Measuring the Influence of Magnetic Vestibular Stimulation on Nystagmus, Self-Motion Perception, and Cognitive Performance in a 7T MRT

Measuring the Influence of Magnetic Vestibular Stimulation on Nystagmus, Self-Motion Perception, and Cognitive Performance in a 7T MRT

Published on: March 3, 2023

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: an overview.

Renato Cal¹, Fayez Bahmad

¹Department of Otology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. renato@renatocal.com

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

|August 4, 2009

Summary

The vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test assesses saccule and vestibular nerve function. This review explores VEMP

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Otolaryngology
Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) is an emerging diagnostic tool.
It evaluates the function of the saccule and inferior vestibular nerve.
VEMP is recorded from the sternocleidomastoid muscle in response to auditory stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the history and methods of VEMP testing.
To discuss the current status and applications of VEMP.
To specifically examine VEMP's role in diagnosing Ménière's Syndrome.

Main Methods:

Literature review of VEMP studies.
Analysis of VEMP's historical development.
Discussion of VEMP's diagnostic utility.

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Stochastic Noise Application for the Assessment of Medial Vestibular Nucleus Neuron Sensitivity In Vitro

Stochastic Noise Application for the Assessment of Medial Vestibular Nucleus Neuron Sensitivity In Vitro

Published on: August 28, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Measuring the Influence of Magnetic Vestibular Stimulation on Nystagmus, Self-Motion Perception, and Cognitive Performance in a 7T MRT

Measuring the Influence of Magnetic Vestibular Stimulation on Nystagmus, Self-Motion Perception, and Cognitive Performance in a 7T MRT

Published on: March 3, 2023

Stochastic Noise Application for the Assessment of Medial Vestibular Nucleus Neuron Sensitivity In Vitro

Stochastic Noise Application for the Assessment of Medial Vestibular Nucleus Neuron Sensitivity In Vitro

Published on: August 28, 2019

Main Results:

VEMP provides a unique assessment of saccular and lower vestibular nerve function.
The review details the evolution and methodology of VEMP.
Current VEMP status and its diagnostic value are presented.

Conclusions:

VEMP is a valuable tool for vestibular disorder assessment.
Its application in Ménière's Syndrome diagnosis is a key focus.
Further investigation into VEMP's clinical utility is ongoing.