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? a. thalamus b. hippocampus c. reticular activating system d. semicircular canals

Answer 1

The structure involved in this scenario is the semicircular canals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The semicircular canals are part of the vestibular system, which is responsible for detecting changes in the position, movement, and acceleration of the head. They are fluid-filled tubes located in the inner ear and are oriented in three different planes to detect rotational movements of the head. When you spin on the ice, the fluid in the semicircular canals moves, which sends signals to the brain about the rotational movement of the head. This signal helps the brain maintain balance during the spin. However, when you stop spinning suddenly, the fluid in the semicircular canals continues to move, sending conflicting signals to the brain about the position and movement of the head. This can result in a feeling of dizziness or vertigo, and it may take some time for the brain to adjust and regain balance.