Vestibulocochlear Region

The vestibulocochlear region (regio vestibulocochlearis) is the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing and balance. This area consists of the vestibular apparatus and the auditory analyzer, which ensure the normal functioning of the ear and the person’s ability to navigate in space.

The vestibular apparatus consists of the semicircular canals and the saccula with morning grains. It is responsible for maintaining balance and coordinating movements of the head and body. The canals are filled with fluid that moves when the head position changes and stimulates receptors inside the ear. These receptors transmit information to the brain, which interprets it as a signal about the position of the head and the direction of movement.

The auditory analyzer consists of the ear, the electrical signal processing nervous system, and the central nervous system, which process information about sounds and help determine their source and characteristics. The ear consists of the outer, middle and inner ear. The outer ear collects sound waves and sends them into the ear canal, where they impinge on the eardrum. The middle ear transmits sound waves to the inner ear through a chain of three bones - the malleus, incus and stapes. The inner ear contains the organ of Corti, the main organ of hearing, which contains receptors responsible for translating sound waves into nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain.

Overall, the vestibulocochlear region is key to maintaining balance and a person's ability to hear. Pathologies in this area can lead to various disorders, including dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus and other symptoms. Treatment depends on the specific condition and may include medications, surgery, and rehabilitation techniques such as physical therapy and audiological exercises.