Influence of middle ear pressure on otolith organs

Abstract

The influence of middle ear pressure changes on the otolith organs was investigated in cats. The activits of both the primary and secondary vestibular neurons were influenced by middle ear pressure changes. More otolith neurons were influenced by middle ear pressures than semicircular canal neurons. Among the otolith neurons, those which were activated by lateral tilt were more sensitive to middle ear pressure than those which were activated by the nose up or the nose down position.