What can help you balance by sensing changes in direction?

The system responsible for balance in humans is known as the vestibular system. It is composed of a series of parts that the human body uses to determine balance by sensing directional change, and telling the brain the appropriate movements to make to maintain balance. The semi-circular ducts located in the inner ear are important for determining angular acceleration of the head, allowing us to sense head movements. The otoliths are another important part of the system that allow us to determine our orientation relative to gravity. The otoliths are comprised of two distinct organs, the saccule and the utricle. These parts sense changes in gravity relative to body position. This allows us to distinguish between when we are lying down or standing up. This system also contains other pathways and parts important for maintaining vision and stabilizing our eyes as we move. Often times dysfunction in one part of the pathway (i.e. vision) can suggest disruption of other parts of the system that are responsible for balance as well. Hope this helps!