Otolith organs

Otolith Organs

The Otolith Organs (pronounced: OH-toe-lith OR-gans) are a component of the vestibular system in the inner ear that are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and gravity. The term "otolith" is derived from the Greek words "oto" meaning ear and "lithos" meaning stone, referring to the tiny calcium carbonate crystals that are a key part of these organs.

Structure

The otolith organs consist of two structures: the utricle and the saccule. These are small sacs located in the vestibule of the inner ear, adjacent to the three semicircular canals. Each organ contains a region called the macula, which is covered in hair cells with stereocilia and a kinocilium. Overlying the hair cells is a gelatinous layer embedded with otoliths, or otoconia, which are tiny calcium carbonate crystals.

Function

The primary function of the otolith organs is to detect changes in linear acceleration and gravity. This is achieved through the movement of the otoconia within the gelatinous layer. When the head moves, the otoconia shift, causing the gelatinous layer to move and bend the stereocilia of the hair cells. This bending creates an electrical signal that is sent to the brain via the vestibular nerve.

Clinical Significance

Disorders of the otolith organs can lead to conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is characterized by brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. This condition occurs when some of the otoconia shift from the utricle into one of the semicircular canals, causing abnormal signals to be sent to the brain.

Related Terms

• Vestibular system
• Inner ear
• Utricle
• Saccule
• Semicircular canals
• Vestibular nerve
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

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