Question

You are an ice skater and are learning to spin. When you stop, the room keeps moving and you cannot get your balance. Which structure is involved in this?

1) Reticular activating system
2) Cerebellum
3) Hippocampus
4) Amygdala

Answer 1

When an ice skater cannot get their balance after spinning, it is the cerebellum that is involved. This brain structure helps interpret signals from the inner ear to maintain balance and coordination.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structure involved when an ice skater feels as if the room keeps moving and they cannot get their balance after spinning is the cerebellum. The cerebellum is a part of the hindbrain that is crucial for balance, coordination, and motor skills. When you spin, fluid in the inner ear canals continues to move, sending signals to the brain that you are still spinning even when you have stopped.

It is the cerebellum that interprets these signals and helps re-establish balance. However, after spinning vigorously, it takes some time for these signals and the fluid in the inner ear to settle, causing the disorienting effect that makes you feel as if you are still spinning. This phenomenon is closely related to the vestibular system, which works with the cerebellum to maintain balance and spatial orientation.