Saccule

Saccule is a part of the vestibular system in the inner ear that contributes to the sense of balance and spatial orientation. It is one of two otolith organs, the other being the utricle. The saccule translates head movements into neural signals to inform the brain about the body's position and motion, particularly in the vertical plane.

Structure

The saccule is a small, oval-shaped organ located in the vestibule, near the base of the semicircular canals. It is oriented vertically and is approximately 2 mm in diameter. The saccule contains a sensory epithelium, known as the macula, which is covered in hair cells. These hair cells are embedded in a gelatinous layer topped with tiny calcium carbonate crystals called otoliths.

Function

The primary function of the saccule is to detect vertical acceleration, such as when moving up or down. The otoliths in the saccule respond to changes in gravity and linear acceleration. When the head moves, the otoliths shift, causing the hair cells to bend. This bending triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which generate nerve impulses that are sent to the brain via the vestibular nerve.

Clinical significance

Damage or disorders of the saccule can lead to a variety of balance and spatial orientation problems, including vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance. Conditions such as Meniere's disease and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can affect the saccule and other parts of the vestibular system.

See also

• Utricle (ear)
• Otolith
• Vestibular system
• Meniere's disease
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

  Diseases of the ear and mastoid process 

Outer ear

• Otitis externa
• Otomycosis

Middle ear
and mastoid

• Otitis media
• Mastoiditis 
  • Bezold's abscess
  • Gradenigo's syndrome
• Tympanosclerosis

• Cholesteatoma
• Perforated eardrum

Inner ear and
central pathways

Equilibrioception	Vertigo/Balance disorder: peripheral  Ménière's disease BPPV Vestibular neuronitis (Labyrinthitis) Perilymph fistula central (Central positional nystagmus)
Hearing	Hearing impairment Conductive hearing loss  Otosclerosis Superior canal dehiscence Sensorineural hearing loss  Presbycusis Cortical deafness Nonsyndromic deafness Excessive response Tinnitus Hyperacusis/Phonophobia Deafblindness Wolfram syndrome Usher syndrome Other Auditory processing disorder Spatial hearing loss

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