Balance
Balance
BY: MPUMELELO MGOBHOZI YEAR 10 LIFE SCIENCES
Internal Structure
Internal Structure of
of the
the Ear
Ear
Semicircular canals
Semicircular canals
Speed/direction
Speed/direction
When the speed and direction of the head changes the endolymph fluid of the semicircular
canals will move in the opposite direction of motion.
The cupula of the ampulla will move in the opposite direction of motion
The hair cells of the Cristae will be stimulated to bend in the opposite direction of motion
The ion channels of the hair cells of the Cristae will open and positive ions from the
endolymph fluid will enter the hair cells of the cristae.
The hair cells of the cristae will become depolarised.
The movement of the positive ions into the hair cells of the cristae will generate electric
impulses in the hair cells of the cristae
This means mechanical stimulus has been converted into electric impulses.
Neurotransmitters will be released in the hair cells if the cristae and will move to the nerve
fibers.
Speed/direction
Speed/direction
The nerve fibers will be stimulated to generate an electric impulse which will be transmitted
via the auditory nerve to the Cerebellum of the brain.
The electric impulses will be interpreted in the cerebellum and a new electric impulse will be
transmitted to the skeletal muscles
Skeletal muscles will reponse to the stimulus and maintain balance.
Head position
Head position
When the position of the head changes the otholiths will respond to the force of gravity.
The Otholic membrane will move in the direction of the otholiths
The hair cells of the maculae will be stimulated to bend in the direction of the otholic
membrane.
The ion channels if the hair cells of the maculae will open to allow positive ions to enter
the hair cells of the maculae
The hair cells of the maculae will be depolarised.
The movement of positive ions into the hair cells of the maculae will generate an electric
impulse
This means mechanicial stimulus has been converted into electric impulses.
Neurotransmitters will be released in the hair cells if the maculae and will move to the
nerve fibers.
Head position
Head position
The nerve fibers will be stimulated to generate an electric impulse which will be
transmitted via the auditory nerve to the Cerebellum of the brain.
The electric impulses will be interpreted in the cerebellum and a new electric
impulse will be transmitted to the skeletal muscles
Skeletal muscles will reponse to the stimulus and maintain balance.
The End
The End
GOOD LUCK!