Somatogyral illusions are primarily caused by stimulation of which component?

Somatogyral illusions arise primarily from the stimulation of the semicircular canals, which are a key part of the vestibular system located in the inner ear. These canals are responsible for detecting angular acceleration and changes in head position. When the head rotates, the fluid within the semicircular canals moves, stimulating the hair cells located there. This signaling provides critical information about motion and orientation to the brain.

In the case of somatogyral illusions, if there is a mismatch between the sensory information from the semicircular canals and the other sensory systems (like visual input), it can lead to sensations of movement or spinning even when the person is stationary. This can result in a feeling of disorientation or vertigo, characteristic of these types of illusions.

The otolith organs, inner ear hairs, and visual receptors all play roles in balance and spatial orientation, but they contribute differently. The otolith organs detect linear acceleration and head position relative to gravity rather than angular motion, while inner ear hairs are a general term that encompasses the hair cells within both the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. Visual receptors provide crucial external references, but they do not directly cause somatogyral illusions. Thus, the semicircular canals are specifically implicated