Tag: ear : the organ of hearing and equilibrium

Questions Related to ear : the organ of hearing and equilibrium

When a person rotates rapidly for a sustained period of time it results in the sensation of dizziness and impaired ability to walk steadily. This is because

  1. The hair cells of ampulla are damaged

  2. Endolymph comes in contact with tectorial membrane

  3. The horizontal and vertical canals are stimulated

  4. The vestibular branch of the auditory nerve is pressed


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Vestibular apparatus is present in the ear in association with the cochlea. This apparatus is responsible for balance and sense of orientation of the body in the air. This apparatus is connected to the auditory nerve and helps in carrying information about hearing and orientation. When the body is oriented in the different form by rotating the body for certain period of time, the nerve gets disturbed or pressed. This results in a sensation of falling and the person walk in a disoriented manner. 

Thus, the correct answer is option D.