To understand the secret of the dexterity of some and the reason for the clumsiness of other people, the study of the structure and function of the organs of balance will help. Understanding the basics of vestibuloreception - the perception of one's body in space, will give an answer on how to improve coordination of movements and whether it is possible to develop dexterity.
Vestibular sensing
Vestibuloreception in the body is provided by the organs of balance. Among them, a peripheral section, located in the inner ear, and a central one are distinguished. The latter is a collection of neural pathways, nuclei and cortical nerve cells. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination.
The peripheral part of the vestibular analyzer consists of three channels, which are called semicircular, and the vestibule. The channels are oriented in three planes with respect to each other, which is why they are called frontal, horizontal and sagittal. They are filled with liquid viscous content.
In the vestibule there are two sacs: the utriculus, which communicates with the semicircular canals, and the sacculus, adjacent to the cochlea. These bags are included incomposition of the otolithic apparatus. This sensory system is responsible for the sensation of gravity, as well as the perception of deceleration or acceleration, while the channels are responsible for the response to rotation, thanks to which a person does not lose balance even during complex somersaults and somersaults.
Anatomy of the otolithic apparatus
So, this apparatus is located on the threshold and consists of two sacs, on the surface of which mechanoreceptors are located. They are filled with high viscosity endolymph and together with the canals and the cochlea form a single endolymphatic flow.
Part of the hair receptors is turned inside the cavity of the sacs. As a rule, these are structures of sixty or more glued hairs with a longer awn.
They penetrate the jelly-like membrane of the utriculus and sacculus. By structure, the receptors of the otolithic apparatus are divided into two types:
- The first type is flask-shaped. These receptors are considered to be younger in terms of evolutionary development.
- The second type is characterized by a cylindrical shape. They are evolutionarily older.
Receptor cells are connected by hairs located at the top with the dome and endolymph of the semicircular canals on the one hand, and the membrane of the otolith sacs on the other. Among these hairs, a thick and long kinocilium, as well as many short stereocilia, are distinguished. Their ends are in contact with the statokonium membrane, which has a jelly structure due to the mucopolysaccharide gel that is part of it. In hercalcium phosphate crystals are located - otoliths.
Neurons come from receptors: dendrites and axons of afferent and efferent connections. Innervation is carried out by the neurons of the vestibular ganglion, which connects to the vestibulocochlear nerve, and the vestibular nuclei:
- top;
- bottom;
- medial;
- lateral.
Physiology of vestibular analyzers
Studies of the physiology of the otolithic apparatus were carried out by scientists Sewall and Breuer. The first formulation of the functional theory belongs to J. Breuer. According to his theory, irritation of the analyzer causes a displacement of the statocone membrane relative to the hairs of the receptors, as well as bending of the hairs themselves. The inertial forces that arise against the background of acceleration in different directions lead to a signal.
Researchers R. Magnus and A. de Kline believe that irritation of receptors is caused by otoliths, and the maximum is observed when they are in limbo, and the minimum is when the otoliths press on the hairs.
The reflex response to irritation is based in the muscles of the base of the neck and limbs, and also manifests itself in tonic rotational and vertical eye movements. The essence lies in maintaining balance, as well as keeping surrounding objects in sight while changing the position of the head.
Ways to improve movement coordination
The sensitivity of the vestibular apparatus is not static: with constant exposure to a stimulus, the severity of the reaction decreases, developsadaptation. This is the basis of training that increases coordination of movements.
You can improve motor coordination in the following ways:
- increasing the accuracy of movements;
- motor memory development;
- improved reaction speed;
- training of the vestibular apparatus
Achieving these results is possible when playing sports, as well as performing special sets of exercises.
