A mathematical model of the response of semicircular canal and otolith to vestibular system rotation under gravity

A mathematical model of the system composed of two sensors: the semicircular canal and the sacculus, is suggested. The model is described by three lines of blocks, each line has the following structure: a biomechanical block, a mechanoelectrical transduction mechanism and a block describing the hair cell ionic currents and membrane potential dynamics. The response of this system to various stimuli (head rotation under gravity and falling) is investigated. Identification of the model parameters was done with the experimental data obtained for the axolotl (Ambystoma tigrinum) at the Institute of Physiology, Autonomous University of Puebla, Mexico. Comparative analysis of the semicircular canal and sacculus membrane potentials is presented.