How does our sense of balance work? Why do we get dizzy or feel off-balance sometimes?

Question

How does our sense of balance work? Why do we get dizzy or feel off-balance sometimes?

In: 1

Answer 1

Inside your ear, there’s three semicircular tubes full of… (Ear juice? Ear jelly? Definitely liquid.), one tube on each axis. Inside these tubes are little hairs and calcium rocks (otoliths).

As you move, this causes the little rocks to shift and bump into the hairs. This is what tells your body your orientation. Dizziness is caused when motion causes the rocks to slosh around in the tubes, swishing back and forth and giving your brain confusing signals, which is why being dizzy can sometimes feel like you’re on a boat.