Anatomy. the joint of the leg that allows for movement between the femur and tibia and is protected by the patella; the central area of the leg between the thigh and the lower leg. 2. Zoology. the corresponding joint or region in the hind leg of a quadruped; stifle. 3. a joint or region likened to this but not anatomically homologous with it, as the tarsal joint of a bird, the carpal joint in the forelimb of the horse or cow, etc.
The special sense which interprets the position of the head permitting the CNS to maintain stability and posture when the head and body are not moving; it is detected by mechanoreceptors in the vestibule of the inner ear, the utricle and saccule, which each contain a macula with the receptors for static equilibrium; when the head moves with reference to gravity, the otolithic membrane shifts and the mechanoreceptors (hair cells) in the macula detect this movement and send the information ...
These are all conditions that affect the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for our sense of balance and also our sense of position in space. When the inner ear dysfunctions, we lose our sense of balance and frequently suffer symptoms such as vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance.