Balance Everyone Knows That Your Ears Are Responsible for Your Sense

question 44

Multiple Choice

Balance
Everyone knows that your ears are responsible for your sense of hearing. But did you also know that your ears are also partially responsible for your sense of balance? Your inner ear contains something called the vestibular system, which is a key component in your body's ability to establish and maintain balance.
The vestibular system mainly consists of three semicircular canals. Each semicircular canal has a different orientation, allowing them to detect a variety of movements. The canals are filled with a fluid called endolymph. When you move your head, the fluid in the canals also moves; this movement sends signals to the brain about the position of your head. Your brain uses this information to help your body stay balanced.
Damage to the vestibular system caused by disease or injury can severely affect a person's balance. Consuming too much alcohol can also temporarily affect the vestibular system. Because alcohol thins the blood, it also changes the viscosity of the endolymph. The thinned-out endolymph sends signals to your brain that your body is rotating even though it is not. This is why many people feel like the room is spinning when they are drunk.
Which of these details can be inferred from the text?

• A)If more endolymph than necessary is released into the system, it could have drastic effects on the brain.
• B)When the blood is thinned due to reasons other than alcohol, it could also affect the way signals are sent to the brain.
• C)If the head is moved continuously at a fast pace, it may be harder to send signals to the brain.
• D)Semicircular canals are able to detect a variety of movements up until a certain point, depending on the level of endolymph in the system.

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Definitions:

Self-Deception

A psychological process where an individual convinces themselves of a false reality to avoid facing uncomfortable truths.

Nonverbal Facial Expression

Facial gestures and movements that are used to convey emotions or messages without speaking.

Encoding

The process of converting ideas and messages into symbols, words, or actions to communicate with others.

Noise

Any unwanted or distracting sound that interferes with the communication process, potentially hindering the receiver's ability to understand the message.