Which component detects angular head movements?

Which component detects angular head movements?

• A. Cochlea
• B. Vestibular apparatus
• C. Auditory canal
• D. Tympanic membrane

Answer: (B)

The vestibular apparatus, especially the semicircular canals, detects angular head movements. These canals are oriented in three planes and sense rotational acceleration. Within each canal, hair cells in the ampulla have "hairs" embedded in a gelatinous cupula. When the head rotates, the endolymph fluid lags due to inertia and bends the cupula, causing the hair cells to change their firing rate. This signal is sent via the vestibular nerve to brainstem and cerebellar circuits, helping with balance and stabilizing gaze through the vestibulo-ocular reflex. The cochlea handles sound detection, the auditory canal is the external path for sound, and the tympanic membrane vibrates in response to sound waves. The otolith organs detect linear acceleration and head position relative to gravity, not angular movement.

The vestibular apparatus, especially the semicircular canals, detects angular head movements. These canals are oriented in three planes and sense rotational acceleration. Within each canal, hair cells in the ampulla have "hairs" embedded in a gelatinous cupula. When the head rotates, the endolymph fluid lags due to inertia and bends the cupula, causing the hair cells to change their firing rate. This signal is sent via the vestibular nerve to brainstem and cerebellar circuits, helping with balance and stabilizing gaze through the vestibulo-ocular reflex. The cochlea handles sound detection, the auditory canal is the external path for sound, and the tympanic membrane vibrates in response to sound waves. The otolith organs detect linear acceleration and head position relative to gravity, not angular movement.