Which of the following would cause the otoliths inside the vestibule to shift and stimulate the vestibular nerve?
A) Sudden head rotation
B) Bending forward at the waist
C) Loud noises
D) Ear wax in the external auditory canal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bending forward at the waist would cause the otoliths (tiny calcium carbonate crystals) inside the vestibule of the inner ear to shift due to gravity, which in turn stimulates the hair cells in the otolithic organs (utricle and saccule), leading to stimulation of the vestibular nerve. This process helps the brain to detect changes in the position of the head relative to gravity, aiding in balance and spatial orientation.

Which of the Following Would Cause the Otoliths Inside the Vestibule