macula

References

Images

Diagram showing how the maculae in the inner ear respond to gravity for balance. One panel illustrates upright hair cells when the head is upright, and another shows tilted hair cells when the head bends forward, helping maintain static equilibrium.

Diagram of the human vestibular system showing the membranous labyrinth with labeled structures for balance: the cristae in the semicircular ducts and the maculae in the utricle and saccule. Insets detail the crista with hair cells and cupula, and the macula with hair cells, otolithic membrane, and supporting structures.

macula

ear anatomy

Also known as: acoustic maculae

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Learn about this topic in these articles:

senses
Mechanical senses
…of hair cells known as maculae. Within each maculae, the stereocilia are embedded in a gelatinous mass known as the otolithic membrane, which contains small stonelike calcium carbonate particles called otoconia. The otolithic membrane and otoconia bend the hairs in the direction of gravity, providing the animal with a vertical…
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…of hair cells known as maculae. Within each maculae, the stereocilia are embedded in a gelatinous mass known as the otolithic membrane, which contains small stonelike calcium carbonate particles called otoconia. The otolithic membrane and otoconia bend the hairs in the direction of gravity, providing the animal with a vertical…
Read More
human ear
Vestibule
…of sensory cells called a macula, which is about 2 mm (0.08 inch) in diameter. The macula monitors the position of the head relative to the vertical. In the utricle the macula projects from the anterior wall of that tubular sac and lies primarily in the horizontal plane. In the…
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…of sensory cells called a macula, which is about 2 mm (0.08 inch) in diameter. The macula monitors the position of the head relative to the vertical. In the utricle the macula projects from the anterior wall of that tubular sac and lies primarily in the horizontal plane. In the…
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vestibular system
Vestibular structures
…of sensory cells called a macula, which monitors the position of the head relative to the vertical. Each macula consists of neuroepithelium, which is made up of supporting cells and sensory cells, as well as a basement membrane, nerve fibres, nerve endings, and underlying connective tissue. The sensory cells are…
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…of sensory cells called a macula, which monitors the position of the head relative to the vertical. Each macula consists of neuroepithelium, which is made up of supporting cells and sensory cells, as well as a basement membrane, nerve fibres, nerve endings, and underlying connective tissue. The sensory cells are…
Read More