Central Vestibular System: Normal Anatomy and Physiology
Presented by Laura Morris
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Vestibular disorders are a unique diagnostic category, often associated with pathology that affects the peripheral vestibular system. This course highlights the central portion of the vestibular system, including anatomy and normal physiology, as a basis for understanding pathology and management central vestibular disorders.
Meet your instructor
Laura Morris
Laura Morris, PT, NCS is a physical therapist and lecturer with 25 years of experience in the management of adults with neurologic disorders. Her clinical work focuses on vestibular disorders and mild traumatic brain injury at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital in the Chicago area. She is the Director of Communications for the…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Central Vestibular System Defined
It is important to be able to delineate the central vestibular system from the peripheral vestibular system. The signs and symptoms of disorders of each system are unique and differentiation is necessary for efficient clinical management. This chapter addresses the normal anatomy of the central and peripheral vestibular systems. In addition, the primary structures that make up the central vestibular system will be reviewed, including the vestibular nuclei and their integration with the peripheral nervous system.
2. Descending Tracts
The peripheral vestibular system gives feedback to balance reflexes that help to maintain upright posture and coordinated movement. These balance reactions are coordinated via descending neural pathways to the musculature that maintains postural control. This chapter reviews the anatomy behind our postural reflexes and coordination of movement by the cerebellum.
3. Ascending Tracts
Vestibular feedback is essential for sensory organization and conscious experience. The vestibular system also gives input into the functioning of our autonomic nervous system. This chapter reviews the cortical areas that receive vestibular input and the other areas in which ascending pathways give feedback.
