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Also called the utriculus, a dilated portion of the membranous labyrinth within thee inner ear. It occupies the central part of the bony labyrinth, with the cochlea in front and the semicircular canals, which arise from the utricle, behind.

Within the utricle a small projection, known as the macula, is raised from the epithelium inside the membranous labyrinth. It consists of a group of supporting cells, among which are arranged a number of hair cells. Each hair cell has a fine hair process, which extends from the end of the cell into the cavity of the utricle. These hairs are embedded in a jelly-like material, which contains a large number of calcareous bodies known as otoliths.

The hair cells of the macula are attached to the nervous system by fibers of the vestibular division of the auditory nerve, each cell being served by one fiber.

Next to the utricle is a very similar organ called the saccule. It is also is provided with a macula, like the utricle.

Function of the utricle

The otoliths in the utricle are subject to the action of gravity, and since they are in contact with the hairs of the hair cells the gravitational pull upon them is transmitted to the macula. Furthermore, since gravity always pulls the otoliths towards the center of the earth, a change in the position of the head, and therefore of the utricle, alters the direction in which the otoliths pull in relation to the macula. As a result the stimulus to the hair cells changes, and a different sequence of nerve impulses passes along the vestibular division to the brain.

In this way the utricle continually reports the position of the head. This information, when associated with information from the muscles, is enough to indicate the position of the body as a whole. Thus even a blindfold person knows the exact position in space of each part of her body.

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What contains utricle and saccule?

The utricle and saccule are both structures found in the inner ear, specifically within the vestibular system. They are responsible for detecting changes in head position and helping to maintain balance and spatial orientation.


What 4 parts of the ear function in static equilibrium?

The utricle, saccule, and their respective maculae, located in the vestibule of the inner ear, are the main structures involved in static equilibrium. They detect changes in head position and linear acceleration to help maintain balance and posture.


The hair cells of the utricle and saccule are clustered in?

The hair cells of the utricle and saccule are clustered in structures called maculae. These maculae are specialized sensory regions within the inner ear that detect changes in head position and linear acceleration. The hair cells within the maculae are essential for signaling information related to balance and spatial orientation to the brain.


What is the sensory patch in the utricle's lining?

The sensory patch in the utricle's lining is called the macula. It contains hair cells that detect linear acceleration and head position changes. It plays a key role in helping us maintain balance and spatial orientation.


What is the effect of rotation on the endolymph in utricle saccule and cochlea?

Rotation of the head causes the endolymph in the utricle and saccule to move, stimulating hair cells and sending signals to the brain about changes in head position. In the cochlea, rotation influences the movement of the endolymph within the semicircular canals, which helps to detect rotational movements of the head.

Related Questions

What sacs found within the vestibule?

The saccule and utricle are the two sacs found within the vestibule of the inner ear. These sacs are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and head position.


Where are the saccule and utricle located?

The saccule and utricle are parts of the inner ear. They're in the bony labyrinth of the vestibule.


What are the sacs found in the vestibule?

The utricle and the saccule


Horizontal acceleration of the body is detected primarily by the?

utricle


What site of the maculae?

Utricle in vestible and saccule in vestibule.


What is the form or function of the utricle?

a small anatomical pouch: as a : the part of the membranous labyrinth of the ear into which the semicircular canals open -- called also utriculus b : PROSTATIC UTRICLE


What is an utricle?

It is part of the inner ear or a leather bag and the question is in the wrong category.


Do the utricle and saccule contain the sensory receptors that are associated with the sense of dynamic equilibrium?

NO


What part of the ear is involved in monitoring the position of the head?

The macula in the utricle and saccule.


What contains utricle and saccule?

The utricle and saccule are both structures found in the inner ear, specifically within the vestibular system. They are responsible for detecting changes in head position and helping to maintain balance and spatial orientation.


What is the difference between the utricle and saccule in the ear?

They both provide information about changes in velocity when travelling either horizontally or vertically. However, the utricle is more sensitive to horizontal acceleration , whereas the saccule is more sensitive to vertical acceleration.


What are the function of vestibules?

The vestibule contains the sense organs responsible for balance, the utricle and saccule.