Age Features of the Vestibular Analyzer

Abstract

The main importance of the vestibular system is to maintain the vertical position of a person and ensure the coordination of movements. The peculiarity of the structure of the vestibular apparatus prompts it to be constantly in a state of spontaneous activity. This is due to the effect on it of afferent impulses that come from the labyrinths to the vestibular centers. With proper excitability, this information indicates the normal course of physiological reactions. In this regard, persons with normal vestibular sensitivity have not experience symptoms of impaired vestibular function. However, in cases where this spontaneous impulse changes due to the influence of external and internal factors, and the inhibition mechanisms are not sufficiently activated, symptoms appear that indicate the insufficiency of vestibular afferentation compensation processes and are manifestations of increased excitability of the vestibular analyzer. It is known from literary sources that increased sensitivity of the vestibular analyzer is widespread among the population. At the same time, there is a tendency to increase the prevalence of increased sensitivity of the vestibular analyzer among people of different ages. The review presents modern views on the peculiarities of the functional activity of the vestibular analyzer in different age periods. We are describe features of development, structure and reflex activity to ensure the vital activity of the organism from the beginning of intrauterine development to old age. We considered functions of ensuring a sense of position and movement of the body in space, maintaining both a posture at rest and during movement in different age periods. We also analyzed data on the frequency of symptoms of a vestibular analyzer disorder.