vestibular organ

noun

UK /vɛˈstɪbjʊlə ˈɔːɡən/

US /vɛˈstɪbjələr ˈɔːrɡən/

A small body part inside your ear that helps you keep your balance.

When you spin around and feel dizzy, your vestibular organ is sending mixed signals to your brain.

SYNONYMS

balance organ vestibular apparatus labyrinth inner ear organ

RELATED WORDS

ear balance dizziness inner ear equilibrium

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The sensory structure of the inner ear that detects head position and movement.

The vestibular organ includes the semicircular canals and the otolith organs.

3. A biological system responsible for spatial orientation and postural stability.

Damage to the vestibular organ can cause vertigo and unsteady walking.

4. The part of the ear that works with the eyes to keep images steady when the head moves.

The vestibular organ helps your eyes stay focused while you run.