PMID: 11913428Jan 1, 1975Paper

Otolith functions in weightlessness

Life Sciences and Space Research
S J Gerathewohl

Abstract

The role of the vestibular organ in the exploration of space has been studied extensively during the past two decades. Many investigators have shown that some persons experience ill effects during the transition from the normal gravity to subgravity or weightlessness. Such adverse reactions can be related to a variety of sensory and somatic changes within the body systems; but it appears that the two major components of the unusual force field--namely, the absence of gravitational stimulation of the otolith organs and the occasional stimulation of the semicircular canals by head and body movements--bring about the motion sickness type reactions. Experiments in parabolic flights and in spacecraft revealed that the statolith organs respond to changes of acceleration during zero G. After an initial period of increased activity during the transition from 1 G to zero G, the number of nerve impulses from the otoliths is drastically decreased and later becomes steady on a somewhat lower than normal level of the discharge rate. The various theories concerning otolith responses in weightlessness are discussed and validated against the actual findings on astronauts and cosmonauts during spaceflight experiments and missions.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.