The tubes and sacs within the vestibular system are filled with fluid. When we move our heads, this fluid is set into motion, causing the hair cells of the sensory receptors to bend. This change results in the generation of an electrical impulse which is carried along the vestibular nerve to the brain for interpretation. Once the brain has interpreted the impulses as head movement, it responds by signaling our eyes to move in a manner that will allow us to maintain clear vision during the motion. The vestibular systems of our left and right inner ears must work equally to send uninterrupted impulses to our brain.
Balance is disrupted if the signals are unequal, resulting in a type of dizziness called vertigo.
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