Otolithic Reaction

The otolithic (otiatriene) reaction was described in 1965 by the famous Czech neurophysiologist and pathophysiologist Miloš Vojáček. This reaction is associated with the accumulation of nitrogen in the cells and tissues of the body and causes irritation of neuron membranes. This results in an involuntary and reflexive movement of the body known as the otolith reflex.

The otolith reaction is one of the ways the human body maintains balance. Otoliths (or ostylae) are special structures located in the cups of the labyrinth of the ear. They consist of otoconia (otolith and oval jellyfish) and otocement (calcification deposits - calcium carbonate - on the walls of the otolith apparatus). With any change in direction and speed of movement, the otoliths experience different loads. This causes irritation of the receptors of the neurons of the otolithic (lateral saccule) and vestibular tract. In response to this, a motor response occurs in the form of repulsion of the head and body in the direction opposite to the acceleration of the body. Thus, the otolytic reaction is a protective mechanism that helps maintain balance when the body’s orientation changes in space and prevent it from falling.