Morita H, Kaji H, Ueta Y, Abe C. Understanding vestibular-related physiological functions could provide clues on adapting to a new gravitational environment.
J Physiol Sci 2020;
70:17. [PMID:
32169037 PMCID:
PMC7069930 DOI:
10.1186/s12576-020-00744-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The peripheral vestibular organs are sensors for linear acceleration (gravity and head tilt) and rotation. Further, they regulate various body functions, including body stability, ocular movement, autonomic nerve activity, arterial pressure, body temperature, and muscle and bone metabolism. The gravitational environment influences these functions given the highly plastic responsiveness of the vestibular system. This review demonstrates that hypergravity or microgravity induces changes in vestibular-related physiological functions, including arterial pressure, muscle and bone metabolism, feeding behavior, and body temperature. Hopefully, this review contributes to understanding how human beings can adapt to a new gravitational environment, including the moon and Mars, in future.
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