function of the semicircular ducts and the phenomeon of dizziness
...ir vestibular system is if nausea or vertigo occurs. Vertigo, or dizziness, is a symptom that could indicate a disease or malfunction of the system (Muller, 2000). Continuous circular motion can also cause a short spell of vertigo. There is a crista ampullaris at the end of each semicircular duct. These are the locations of the sensory cells of the vestibular apparatus (Verhagen, 2002). These crista ampullaris are surrounded by endolymph and are topped with hair cells. Endolymph is a liquid that flows through the cochlea and the semicircular canals (Verhagen, 2002). In the cochlea the endolymph is responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain. In the semicircular canals the endolymph can detect gravity and motion of the head (Verhagen, 2002). When you spin around for a few seconds the liquid endolymph lags behind the rest of the head and body because it keeps moving after motion of the body has ceased (Verhagen, 2002). The hair cells are very sensitive to motion of the endolymph. When the hair cells are bent, this causes signals to be sent to the brain. When the endolymph...