Question

What is the role of the crista and macula of the vestibular apparatus?

Answer 1

1. The crista and macula are the specific receptors of the vestibular apparatus.

2. The vestibule is a region of the inner ear which contains the saccule and the utricle, each one of them contains a macula to detect linear acceleration. Its function is to detect vertical linear acceleration.

3. The macula of the saccule lies in a nearly vertical position.

4. The crista of the semicircular ducts, which is a organ of balance like the macula of the utricle and saccule, respond to rotational movements and are involved in dynamic equilibrium.

5. They both are involved in sustaining the balance of the posture and the body