Vestibule

Vestibule Definition

The vestibule is a key structure located at the entrance of the bony labyrinth within the ear. It contains important parts of the membranous labyrinth of the ear, including the utricle, the saccule, and the semicircular ducts, which are essential for maintaining balance and equilibrium.

The vestibule is responsible for receiving and processing sensory information related to head movements and spatial orientation. It is lined with tiny hair cells that detect the movement of fluid within the labyrinth, and these signals are sent to the brain to generate a sense of balance and orientation.

In addition to its role in balance and orientation, the vestibule also plays a crucial role in the sense of hearing. Sound waves are transduced into electrical signals within the cochlea and transmitted through the vestibule to the brain for interpretation.

Overall, the vestibule is a complex and important structure within the ear that plays a critical role in maintaining balance, orientation, and hearing.