The main difference between proprioception and vestibular sensation is that proprioception is the position sensitivity, whereas vestibular sense is the movement sensitivity.
Proprioception and vestibular sensation are two sensory inputs to the brain. They are important for self-positioning and movement.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Proprioception
– Definition, Features, Importance
2. What is Vestibular Sensation
– Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between Proprioception and Vestibular Sensation
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Proprioception and Vestibular Sensation
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Proprioception, Vestibular Sensation
What is Proprioception
Proprioception or kinesthesia is a sensory input of the brain about the position of the body parts. Proprioceptors mediate proprioception which are mechanosensory nerves that occur in the muscles, tendons, and joints. Several types of proprioceptors occur to detect different kinetic parameters, including movement, load, and joint position. Importantly, all mobile animals contain proprioceptors. They transmit nerve impulses to the central nervous system of the body.
Figure 1: Limb Proprioceptors
Furthermore, many animals need proprioception to coordinate body movement and stabilize body posture. In vertebrates, the muscle spindle comprises two sensory neuron types: type Ia sensory fiber and group II neurons. Here, type Ia sensory fibers detect limb movement and velocity. In comparison, group II neurons detect the static muscle length. Vertebrates use neurons in the Golgi tendon organ to detect the load on a limb. Also, proprioceptors integrate with other sensory systems of the body, including the visual and vestibular systems. It creates an overall sensory output about the position of the body.
What is Vestibular Sensation
Vestibular sensation is the second type of sensory input to the brain. It detects the movements of the body. Therefore, it is important to coordinate movements along with the balance of the body. Also, it coordinates with the auditory system of the brain in mammals. Additionally, the vestibular system comprises two components: semicircular canal and otoliths. The semicircular canal detects rotational movements, while otoliths detect linear acceleration. The vestibular system contains three semicircular canals in the labyrinth. They occur orthogonal to each other. They are anterior, posterior, and horizontal semicircular canals detecting the rotation of the head.
Figure 2: Rotation of the Head
Moreover, there are two otolithic organs called the utricle and saccule. They contain a patch of hair cells and a supporting cell called a macula. Each hair cell contains forty to seventy stereocilia and one true cilium, known as a kinocilium. They sense gravity and motion. The vestibular system coordinates the eye’s movement according to the body’s movement. It allows clear vision. The vestibular system helps to keep the animal in the correct posture.
Similarities Between Proprioception and Vestibular Sensation
- Proprioception and vestibular sensation are two sensory inputs to the brain.
- They are important for the self-movement, force, and body movement.
Difference Between Proprioception and Vestibular Sensation
Definition
Proprioception refers to the sense that lets us perceive the location, movement, and action of body parts, while vestibular sensation refers to the movement, gravity, and/or balance sense that allows us to move smoothly.
Importance
Proprioception is the position sensitivity, while vestibular sensation is the movement sensitivity.
Significance
Proprioception is the knowledge about the position of the internals body parts, while vestibular sensation comes from the body’s movements.
Occurrence
Proprioception occurs when pressure occurs on joints during movements, while vestibular sensation occurs due to the body’s movements, such as twisting, spinning, rocking, etc.
Conclusion
In brief, proprioception and vestibular sensation are two sensory inputs to the brain. They provide information about the position and movement of the body parts to the brain. Proprioception is position sensitivity which means the sensation about the position of the body parts during movements. It occurs due to the pressure on joints. In comparison, vestibular sensation is the movement sensitivity that provides signals about the movement of body parts to the brain. It occurs due to the body movements such as twisting, spinning, and rocking. Therefore, the main difference between proprioception and vestibular sensation is the type of sensitivity.
References:
- Proprioception. Proprioception – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.).
- Casale J, Browne T, Murray IV, et al. Physiology, Vestibular System. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
Image Courtesy:
- “Proprioception image-01” By John Tuthill – Own work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Simple vestibulo-ocular reflex” By Mikael Häggström – Own Work (CC-BY SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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