Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

Motion sickness is primarily caused by?

1. Continued stimulation of the tiny portion of the inner ear which controls sense of balance.

2. An instability in the brain cells affecting balance.

3. The movement of an aircraft causing stomach acid production.

4. Increased pressure in the inner ear during flight.

The correct answer is: Continued stimulation of the tiny portion of the inner ear which controls sense of balance.

Motion sickness is primarily caused by the continued stimulation of the tiny portion of the inner ear, specifically the vestibular system, which is responsible for our sense of balance. This system detects changes in motion and position, allowing the body to maintain equilibrium. When a person is in an aircraft, the rapid changes in speed and direction can confuse the vestibular system. The brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear, eyes, and deeper body parts, leading to a sense of disorientation and the symptoms associated with motion sickness, such as nausea and dizziness. The other options do not accurately describe the primary cause of motion sickness. While brain instability and increased pressure in the inner ear may have some effects related to balance and equilibrium, they are not the primary mechanism causing motion sickness. Additionally, the idea that stomach acid production is directly linked to the movement of the aircraft does not account for the underlying sensory conflict that is at the heart of motion sickness. Understanding the role of the inner ear in balance is crucial in recognizing why it serves as the primary trigger for this condition during flight.