Otoliths: Calcium carbonate crystals (ear stones) embedded in the otolithic membrane of the utricle and saccule, responsible for detecting linear acceleration and head position relative to gravity.
Macula: A sensory epithelium within the utricle and saccule containing hair cells and supporting cells; the utricular macula detects horizontal movement, while the saccular macula detects vertical movement.
Hair cells: Sensory receptors with stereocilia and a kinocilium that transduce mechanical stimuli into nerve signals when distorted by movement or gravity.
Otolithic membrane: Gelatinous layer overlaying hair cells in the maculae, embedded with otoliths, which shift with head movements to stimulate hair cells.
Sensory response to head position: Changes in head orientation cause otoliths to shift, distorting hair cell processes, which sends signals to the brain about body position and movement.
1. What are otoliths and maculae in the context of the inner ear?
2. Which structure within the cochlear duct is responsible for transducing sound vibrations into neural signals?
3. What is the primary role of the cochlear duct in the auditory system?
Hair Cells — role?
Transduce mechanical stimuli into nerve signals.
Cochlear Duct — structure?
Contains the spiral organ for hearing.
Otoliths — function?
Detect linear acceleration and head position.
Otoliths — function?
Detect linear acceleration and head position.
Maculae — location?
Within utricle and saccule of inner ear.
Hair cells — role?
Convert mechanical stimuli into nerve signals.
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