What is vestibular ganglia?

The vestibular ganglia are a pair of sensory ganglia located in the ear, specifically in the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. They are part of the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) and contain the cell bodies of the auditory and vestibular sensory neurons. The vestibular ganglia primarily process information related to the body's balance and spatial orientation, while the cochlear ganglia process auditory information related to hearing. The vestibular ganglia receive input from the semicircular canals, utricle, and saccule of the inner ear, which contain hair cells that detect movement and changes in position. Damage to the vestibular ganglia can result in dizziness, vertigo, and loss of balance.