Somatogravic illusions result from the stimulation of which sensory organs?

Somatogravic illusions arise from the stimulation of the otolith organs, which are part of the vestibular system located in the inner ear. These organs, specifically the utricle and saccule, detect linear accelerations and head tilts relative to gravity. When a pilot experiences rapid acceleration or deceleration, the otolith organs may misinterpret these movements, leading to a distorted perception of the aircraft's attitude.

For instance, an abrupt change in speed can create the illusion that the plane is climbing or descending, even when it is not. This phenomenon emphasizes the role of the otoliths in providing information about orientation and motion, and highlights how they can contribute to spatial disorientation during flight.

The semicircular canals, while also part of the vestibular system, primarily sense rotational movements rather than linear accelerations. The visual cortex processes visual information but does not directly contribute to the sensations associated with somatogravic illusions. Thus, the correct understanding is that the otolith organs are specifically responsible for the type of sensory misinterpretations that occur in these situations.