Vestibular functions

The sense of balance uses receptors which detect the position and motion of the head in space. These are located in organs in the vestibular part of the inner ear (labyrinth) that lies within the temporal bone. Vestibular input is used to adjust posture as forces shift the body’s center of mass by modifying the output to antigravity muscles. Conscious perception of balance is normally overshadowed by visual and proprioceptive cues to head position and motion.

Vestibular input is also used to execute an eye movement that is independent of head movement. These vestibulo-ocular reflexes are one of several reflexes for fixing gaze.