Question

While travelling at a higher altitude, a person complains of dizziness and vomiting sensation. Which part of the inner ear is disturbed during the journey?

Answer 1

Vestibular apparatus :

• Vestibular apparatus of the inner ear is involved in maintaining appropriate body posture and balance. It is also called the organ of equilibrium or balance.
• The organ of equilibrium includes the saccule, utricle and semicircular ducts of the inner ear.
• Utricle and saccule are involved in static equilibrium, which refers to maintenance of body position relative to force of gravity.
• Semicircular ducts are involved in dynamic equilibrium, which refers to maintenance of body position in response to rotational movements.

Significance :

While travelling at a higher altitude, a person complains of dizziness and vomiting sensation because the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear is disturbed during the journey.