Semicircular canal
Semicircular Canal
The Semicircular Canal (/ˌsɛmiːˈsɜːrkjʊlər kəˈnæl/) is a component of the inner ear in many animals, which is a part of the vestibular system responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
Etymology
The term "Semicircular Canal" is derived from the Latin words 'semi' meaning 'half', 'circulus' meaning 'circle', and 'canalis' meaning 'channel or pipe'. This is due to the half-circle shape of the three canals present in the inner ear.
Function
The Semicircular Canal is responsible for detecting rotational movements. There are three canals: the horizontal semicircular canal, the anterior semicircular canal, and the posterior semicircular canal. Each canal is filled with a fluid called endolymph, and contains a motion sensor with tiny hairs whose ends are embedded in a gelatinous structure called the cupula. As the head rotates, the fluid inside the canal moves, causing the cupula to flex, which bends the hairs. This bending of hairs triggers an electrical signal to the brain that tells it which direction the head has turned.
Related Terms
- Vestibular System: The sensory system that contributes to balance and spatial orientation.
- Endolymph: The fluid contained within the Semicircular Canal.
- Cupula: A gelatinous component in the Semicircular Canal that helps detect rotational movements.
- Horizontal Semicircular Canal: One of the three Semicircular Canals, oriented horizontally.
- Anterior Semicircular Canal: One of the three Semicircular Canals, oriented vertically and roughly perpendicular to the horizontal canal.
- Posterior Semicircular Canal: One of the three Semicircular Canals, also oriented vertically but in a different plane from the anterior canal.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Semicircular canal
- Wikipedia's article - Semicircular canal
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