Otolithic membrane
Otolithic Membrane
The Otolithic Membrane (pronounced: oh-toe-lith-ic mem-brane) is a crucial component of the vestibular system in the inner ear, specifically within the utricle and saccule.
Etymology
The term "Otolithic Membrane" is derived from the Greek words "oto" meaning ear, and "lithos" meaning stone. This is in reference to the small, calcium carbonate crystals, known as otoliths, that are embedded in the membrane.
Function
The primary function of the Otolithic Membrane is to detect linear accelerations and head tilts. This is achieved through the movement of the otoliths within the membrane, which shift in response to changes in gravitational pull and linear acceleration. These movements are then translated into neural signals that are sent to the brain via the vestibular nerve.
Related Terms
- Otoliths: Small, calcium carbonate crystals embedded in the Otolithic Membrane.
- Utricle: One of the two otolith organs located in the inner ear.
- Saccule: The second of the two otolith organs located in the inner ear.
- Vestibular System: The sensory system responsible for providing our brain with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation.
- Vestibular Nerve: The nerve that carries spatial orientation information from the inner ear to the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Otolithic membrane
- Wikipedia's article - Otolithic membrane
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