Optimizing the vertebrate vestibular semicircular canal: could we balance any better?

Details Optimizing the vertebrate vestibular semicircular canal: could we balance any better? Optimizing the vertebrate vestibular semicircular canal: could we balance any better?

2004-01-16

arxiv.org/abs/physics/0401079v2

Physics

Fluid Dynamics

4 pages, 3 figures

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.198106

The fluid-filled semicircular canals (SCCs) of the vestibular system are used by all vertebrates to sense angular rotation. Despite masses spanning seven decades, all mammalian SCCs are nearly the same size. We propose that the SCC represents a sensory organ that evolution has `optimally designed'. Four geometric parameters are used to characterize the SCC, and `building materials' of given physical properties are assumed. Identifying physical and physiological constraints on SCC operation, we find that the most sensitive SCC has dimensions consistent with available data.

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