Figure 16.
Reactions of the semicircular canals.
(c) Endolymph movement ceases. If the turn continues for
several seconds the motion of the endolymph catches up with the motion of
the canal and pressure will no longer be placed on the opposite canal wall.
In this case an illusion of no turn will be created when the brain
interprets the impulse resulting when endolymph motion is no longer being
sensed.
(d) Angular acceleration. When an angular acceleration
(rotation) is slowed or stopped, especially after a turn of long duration,
the endolymph will continue to move for a short period of time. This
continued movement will place pressure on the opposite canal wall and create
an illusion of turning in a direction opposite that of the original turn.
b. Proprioceptive System. This system involves the sensations
resulting primarily from pressures on joints, muscles and skin. To a lesser
degree, sensations resulting from the change in position of internal organs
are also part of the system. The proprioceptive system is intimately
associated with the vestibular system and the visual system (to a lesser
degree). Since a pilot is seated during flight, the forces acting on his
body are such that, with training and experience, distinct aircraft
movements can be sensed by pressures on his body from the aircraft seat.
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