Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University
By A Mystery Man Writer
Last updated 05 Jul 2024
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/files/oss/styles/hd/public/pebble-3215317_1920_1.jpeg?itok=dJy0SPKE×tamp=1601650822)
Sometimes called “ear rocks”, small crystals of calcium carbonate (essentially limestone) are found in your inner ear. The technical name for these tiny stones wrapped in a matrix of protein is “otoconia.” They play no role in hearing, but rather are part of the vestibular system that has several functions such as helping you keep your balance and coordinating your eye movements while your head is in motion. Otoconia are an essential component of the utricle and saccule, two vestibular organs in the inner ear that help relay information about linear acceleration and tilting of the head to the brain. In both these organs, specialized hair cells are attached to a gelatinous membrane that contains the otoconia. When the head is tilted, gravity pulls more on the crystals than on the liquid surrounding the hair cells. This results in bending of the hair cells, which is translated into electrical impulses that make their way to the brain. Basically, otoconia keep you from getting dizzy every time you move your head. Isn’t the human body amazing? Dizzyingly so. Caitlin Bard is completing her Bachelor of Science with a major in neuroscience at McGill University. Leave a comment!
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](http://blogs.kent.ac.uk/specialcollections/files/2023/12/Incant1973Mar10.jpg)
university of kent University of Kent Special Collections & Archives
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2M8TX00/london-uk-15th-jan-2023-aaron-ramsdale-of-arsenal-is-led-away-after-a-fan-tried-to-engage-with-him-during-the-premier-league-match-at-the-tottenham-hotspur-stadium-london-picture-credit-should-read-david-kleinsportimage-credit-sportimagealamy-live-news-2M8TX00.jpg)
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale appears to be kicked by
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://s2-ge.glbimg.com/WE5HcLU4FSQwLE03rFXSS_jq_do=/0x176:960x1051/984x0/smart/filters:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_bc8228b6673f488aa253bbcb03c80ec5/internal_photos/bs/2022/R/i/YnzxsoSwCSFohLWpZqaw/whatsapp-image-2022-09-20-at-21.34.11.jpeg)
Torcida do Galo divulga 'Disk Balada' para pegar jogadores em
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://assets.bwbx.io/images/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/ijDRCv7KdGwQ/v1/-1x-1.jpg)
Scientists Discover Deep-Ocean Creatures That May Help Combat Climate Change - Bloomberg
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://http2.mlstatic.com/D_NQ_NP_624972-MLB54978861505_052023-O.webp)
TRICICLO A PEDAL INFANTIL MASCULINO AVESPA MARAL REF: 3168
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/files/oss/styles/wysiwyg_extra_large/public/girl-1906405_1920_1.jpeg?itok=0XBEmd9w)
Articles by all authors Office for Science and Society - McGill University
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://www.mdpi.com/biomimetics/biomimetics-08-00202/article_deploy/html/images/biomimetics-08-00202-g001.png)
Biomimetics, Free Full-Text
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://dailynous.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/heapoflinks-logo-2022-dark-compatible-1024x515.png)
Heap of Links - Daily Nous
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://freitasvarejo.vteximg.com.br/arquivos/ids/183262-440-500/triciclo-rosa.jpg?v=638236436769130000)
TRICICLO A PEDAL INFANTIL MASCULINO AVESPA MARAL REF: 3168
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://facts.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/30-facts-about-donatella-versace-1690034699.jpg)
We Are In the Endgame Now, the end games
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/files/oss/styles/wysiwyg_extra_large/public/face-mask-5588049_1280.jpeg?itok=7ZpZxS4S)
Articles by all authors Office for Science and Society - McGill University
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://file.medchemexpress.com/product_pic/hy-b0011a.gif)
Docetaxel Trihydrate (RP-56976 Trihydrate), Microtubule Depolymerization Inhibitor
![Rocks in your head? Sort of. Office for Science and Society - McGill University](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/01/15/18/66598445-11637961-image-a-17_1673809107687.jpg)
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale appears to be kicked by
Recommended for you
-
No Tumbler Polished Rocks DIY with Envirotex Lite Resin Spray05 Jul 2024
-
An effective climate change solution may lie in rocks beneath our feet05 Jul 2024
-
What Is the Cheapest Rock for Landscaping?05 Jul 2024
-
Creating the Best Rocks05 Jul 2024
-
Rock & Fossil Hunting in Southwest Michigan05 Jul 2024
-
Soil Kings Decorative Rock Sale - Soil Kings - Bulk Landscaping Supplies05 Jul 2024
-
Large Feature Rocks - Gardenscape05 Jul 2024
-
What Is River Rock Made Of?05 Jul 2024
-
Rocks of Hawaii — Earth@Home05 Jul 2024
-
Metamorphic Rocks05 Jul 2024
You may also like
-
Personalized Heart Balloons Valentine's Day Stickers – Chickabug05 Jul 2024
-
Juguetes Play-Doh de segunda mano en Valencia en WALLAPOP05 Jul 2024
-
Floor Squeegee Broom with 35.4 Long Handle,Great to Remove Water for Glass, Window, Tile Floor05 Jul 2024
-
MiaMily Hipster Extender Belt Accessory for Velcro Adjustable Custom Fit (19.60 inch Extension), Machine Washable and Compatible with MiaMily Hipster Plus Baby Carrier05 Jul 2024
-
Flents Fix-It Eyeglass Repair Kit with Comfort Pads, 1 ct - Pick05 Jul 2024
-
Neando 4 x 6 inches Index Card Dividers, Alphabetical05 Jul 2024
-
Bluey PNG, Bluey Family Party Png, Bluey Birthday PNG, Bluey - Inspire Uplift05 Jul 2024
-
Wholesale PH PandaHall 18K Gold Plated Copper Wire05 Jul 2024
-
100pcs/lot 50mm 70mm Necklace Extension Chain Bulk Bracelet Extended Chains Tail Extender For DIY Jewelry Making Findings05 Jul 2024
-
MENZERNA 6 Inch Polishing Pad Heavy Cut for Scratch Repair I Body Repair and Detailing Pads05 Jul 2024