Equilibrioception

Balancing on a rope

Equilibrioception is the sense of balance. This is what prevents a person or animal from falling over while walking or doing other physical activity.

In humans

In humans, equilibrioception is mainly sensed by the detection of acceleration, which occurs in the vestibular system. Other senses play roles as well, e.g. the visual system and proprioception. The importance of visual input for balance is illustrated by its being harder to stand on one foot with eyes closed than with eyes open.^[1]

The sense of balance often gets worse as a person ages. After a stroke, it may be improved with the help of special training.^[2]

Equilibrioception Media

Balance skill development in children
Medicine ball plank
Diagram of vestibular system
This figure shows nerve activity associated with rotational-induced physiologic nystagmus and spontaneous nystagmus resulting from a lesion of one labyrinth. Thin straight arrows show direction of slow components, thick straight arrows show direction of fast components, and curved arrows show direction of endolymph flow in the horizontal semicircular canals.
This diagram linearly (unless otherwise mentioned) tracks the projections of all known structures that allow for balance and acceleration to their relevant endpoints in the human brain.
Another diagram showing neural pathway of vestibular/balance system. Arrows show the direction of information relay.
Illustration of the flow of fluid in the ear, which in turn causes displacement of the top portion of the hair cells that are embedded in the jelly-like cupula. Also shows the utricle and saccule organs that are responsible for detecting linear acceleration, or movement in a straight line.

Related pages

References

↑ "Equilibrioception". ScienceDaily. Archived from the original on 18 May 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
↑ Hammer A; Nilsagard Y. & Wallquist M. (2008). "Balance training in stroke patients a systematic review of randomized, controlled trials". Advances in Physiotherapy. 10 (4): 163–172. doi:10.1080/14038190701757656. S2CID 71362704.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

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[1] "Equilibrioception". ScienceDaily. Archived from the original on 18 May 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2011.

[Hammer_et_al._.282008.29-2] Hammer A; Nilsagard Y. & Wallquist M. (2008). "Balance training in stroke patients a systematic review of randomized, controlled trials". Advances in Physiotherapy. 10 (4): 163–172. doi:10.1080/14038190701757656. S2CID 71362704.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

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