Excuse my intrusion.
As a lifelong dedicated enthusiast (much reading), beside the facts stated, surely one will feel the "fall" (rate of descent, albeit relatively level, in one's belly.)
Was on a 738 in 2007. Felt my guts responding upon descent. Last off and chatted with pilots. Asked about descent and was told it was rapid so as to make up time for the late departure.
Losing altitude at that rate must certainly induce a bodily reaction, which would then inform the brain.
Maybe, under turbulent conditions, one does not pick it up.