The Hair Cells of the Utricle and Saccule are Clustered

Question

The hair cells of the utricle and saccule are clustered in
A) ampullae.
B) cristae.
C) ampullary cupulae.
D) maculae.
E) otoconia.

Accepted Answer

The hair cells of the utricle and saccule are located in specialized patches called maculae, which are arranged vertically within the otolithic membrane. These hair cells are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and head position in relation to gravity. Ampullae and cristae are associated with the semicircular canals and detect angular acceleration. Ampullary cupulae are located within the ampullae and play a role in sensing rotational movements. Otoconia are small crystals of calcium carbonate that are embedded in the otolithic membrane and help to detect movement and changes in gravitational force.