Question

What are the 2 structures of the otolith organ?

Answer 1

Otolith organ:

1. The otolith organs are the saccule and the utricle.
2. They are also known as gravity receptors because they respond to gravitational forces.
3. Each sac has a single patch of sensory cells termed a macula on its inner surface that is roughly 2 mm (0.08 inch) in diameter.
4. The semicircular canals and their associated otolith organs help to keep the body balanced and coordinate eye-head-body movements.
5. Gravity, as well as rapid linear accelerations, constantly stimulate these organs.
6. The utricles and the saccules are responsible for movement and upright acceleration of the head.
7. They use a viscous fluid and small stones to detect all the motions of the head.

Two structures of the otolith organ are:

Utricle:

1. The utricle is an organ in the inner ear that maintains head and body stability when static or during linear motions.
2. It accomplishes this by the use of small stones and a viscous fluid that induces hair cells to sense motion.

Saccule:

1. The saccule is a tiny membrane sac located within the vestibule of the inner ear, together with the utricle.
2. It is a membranous labyrinth component that plays a key role in orientation and balance, notably in vertical tilt.