BACKGROUND: Humans detect motion and gravity via the labyrinthine system of the inner ear, which consists of the vestibule and the semicircular canals.The vestibular system provides three major functions for maintaining balance and orientation. First, it maximizes the effectiveness of the visual system. Second, it provides orientational information necessary for performing both skilled and reflexive motor activities. Third, in the absence of vision, the vestibular system provides a reasonably accurate perception of motion and position. Although these organs provide important cues for basic orientation on the ground, they often provide misleading information during flight. A superior semicircular canal dehiscence can cause an individual to experience disorientation and vertigo-like symptoms.
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