How do you know if you are upside down, even with your eyes closed? Tiny hair cells deep in your ears feel every tilt and turn.
Drag to turn it around. Use the buttons to zoom in and try things from the lessons.
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Deep inside each ear, past the parts you hear with, is your balance system. It has three curved tubes full of fluid and two little pouches.
Vestibular hair cells (ves-TIB-yoo-lar) line special spots in these tubes and pouches. Each one has a bundle of stiff "hairs" on top, lined up from short to tall like stairs.
When you tilt your head, the crystals and jelly slide a little and bend the hairs. When you spin, the fluid in the tubes swishes and bends them too.
Bending the hairs sends a message to your brain. Your brain uses it to keep you balanced and to keep your eyes steady while you move.
Scroll up to the 3D model and press Tilt your head to see the crystals slide and the hairs bend.
When you spin around and stop, the fluid keeps swishing for a moment. That is why you feel dizzy!
By Peekaboo Kidz. A fun video for kids.
Watch on YouTube →