key points

1. The vestibular system is a bilateral receptor system located in the inner ear.

2. Specialized regions of the vestibular system contain receptors.

3. The semicircular ducts detect rotary acceleration and deceleration of the head.

4. The utricle and saccule detect linear acceleration and deceleration and static tilt of the head in space.

5. The vestibular system provides sensory information for reflexes involving spinal motor neurons, the cerebellum, and extraocular muscles of the eye.

6. Vestibular reflexes coordinate head and eye movements to maximize visual acuity during movements of the head.