title: The caloric stimulus: mechanisms of heat transfer.
abstract: This review is concerned with the physical processes involved in thermal stimulation of the vestibular end-organ. A brief outline of the anatomy of the end-organ is given with particular reference to the horizontal semicircular canal, followed by a description of end-organ hydrodynamics. The neurophysiological mechanisms of thermal stimulation are then considered. Finally, routes of heat transfer from outer to inner ear are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Balance Interest Group, British Society of Audiology, Reading.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: O'Neill
mesh_terms: D002150:Caloric Tests; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000502:physiology; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000502:physiology; D004710:Endolymph / Q000502:physiology; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012444:Saccule and Utricle / Q000502:physiology; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000502:physiology*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000502:physiology; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*