Could the sense of balance be considered a sense?

[BillGates]

Kind of a dumb thought, but interesting to think about. Balance seems to be a sense of sorts, similar to hearing, vision, etc, only a bit more abstract to think about.

The inner ear has an effect on balance but it doesn't seem to be directly related to hearing. You can probably balance yourself on something without vision (or would it be a product of habit?)

No real point to these thoughts, just a toasted brain at the end of a 10 hour shift. Not thinking about work is good thinking.

 

[bradruth]

It's more of a result of a number of your other senses than a sense itself.

 

[Ryan]

It is (at least according to my psychology book and teacher).

 

[BillGates]

Originally posted by: bradruth
It's more of a result of a number of your other senses than a sense itself.

Taste and smell are thrown out right away. Blind and deaf people are able to balance. Being able to stand is a function of their body structure but the ability to remain standing (or walk, run, etc) seems to be something more than that....

 

[BillGates]

Sorry, double post.

 

[erikiksaz]

The inner ear is RESPONSIBLE for balance, much like all the parts of the eye are responsible for eyesight. I slacked off a bit in physiology, but from what i remember, there's two types of balance that the inner ear is responsible for: one where you're stationary, and one when you're in movement. It uses little "rocks" to determine positioning of the head, etc.

Other than that, i don't remember a damned thing about balance. Abstract, it might not be, boring boring as hell it is.

(inner ear) doesn't seem to be directly related to hearing

Yes, it does. The eardrum is connected to the 3 tiny bones, which all relay the vibrations. Add in the cochlear duct, round and oval windows, a bunch of other crap i can't remember and you've got hearing.

But yes, it's a sense.

 

[BillGates]

Originally posted by: erikiksaz

(inner ear) doesn't seem to be directly related to hearing

Yes, it does. The eardrum is connected to the 3 tiny bones, which all relay the vibrations. Add in the cochlear duct, round and oval windows, a bunch of other crap i can't remember and you've got hearing.

But yes, it's a sense.

Yikes, my bad. I meant to say balance, not hearing. I told you my brain was fried.

 

[Luagsch]

How Balance Works
:beer:

 

[vi edit]

I relate balance as more of a mechanical mechanism and more lumped under the dexterity "ability" than an actual sense.

 

[glugglug]

I never had trouble balancing with dozens of inner ear infections as a kid...
Also noone had trouble balancing at parties in our dorm room with a 6000W stereo, which we sometimes used with a tone generator going at the resonance frequency of the hallway to produce standing waves that arced all the ceiling tiles. At least not before they were totally plastered.

Your muscles all have a sense of position and you can sense tiny changes in the bend of your ankles and subconciously adjust while your feet are on the ground, no matter how badly clogged your ears may be.