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Human Performance

2.5.4.4 Otoliths (ear stones)

The diagram mentioned earlier shows the location of

otoliths in sacs beneath the semicircular canals.

Otoliths consist of crystals in a gel-like fluid with sensory hairs that signal the

head’s position relative to gravity and linear accelerations.

During acceleration, the hairs bend backward,

creating a false sensation of climbing.

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2.5.5 The sense of balance

The sense of balance is the ability to detect the body’s position and movement

relative to its surroundings. Gravity plays a major role in this ability.

Below is a illustration of an airplane and the three semicircular canals.

Flight Theory PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© 2025 162