What is the function of utricle and saccule?

The utricle and saccule are the two otolith organs in the vertebrate inner ear. They are part of the balancing system (membranous labyrinth) in the vestibule of the bony labyrinth (small oval chamber). They use small stones and a viscous fluid to stimulate hair cells to detect motion and orientation.

What’s the utricle and saccule?

The utricle is a small membranous sac (part of the membranous labyrinth) and paired with the saccule lies within the vestibule of the inner ear. It has an important role in orientation and static balance, particularly in horizontal tilt.

What is the function of the saccule and utricle quizlet?

– They are both organs for static equilibrium, which maintains the stability of the head and body when they are motionless or during linear (straight) movements. – Both the utricle and saccule have a small area of hair cells called the macula.

What is the function of the saccule?

The saccule is a small membranous sac, paired with the utricle, within the vestibule of the inner ear. It is part of the membranous labyrinth and has an important role in orientation and balance, particularly in vertical tilt 1.

What does utricle mean?

: any of various small pouches or saccate parts of an animal or plant: such as. a : the part of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear into which the semicircular canals open. b : a small usually indehiscent one-seeded fruit with thin membranous pericarp.

Does the utricle contain Perilymph?

Like the other parts of the membranous labyrinth, they are filled with endolymph and surrounded by perilymph. The narrow endolymphatic duct passes from the utricle through the vestibular aqueduct into the cranial cavity, carrying excess endolymph to be absorbed by the endolymphatic sac.

What is the function of otoliths quizlet?

What is the function of the otolith crystals of the utricle and saccule? As you move your head linearly, the otolith organs of the utricle and saccule will influence the movement of the gelatinous material over top of the hair cells embedded within it.

What does saccule mean?

: a little sac specifically : the smaller chamber of the membranous labyrinth of the ear.