posterior semicircular canal
Quick Summary
The posterior semicircular canal is one of three loop-shaped organs in the inner ear that are crucial for maintaining balance and stability. These canals are part of the vestibular system and are oriented at roughly right angles to each other, allowing them to sense rotational and angular movements of the head in three-dimensional space.12
The posterior canal, along with the anterior and lateral canals, contains a fluid called endolymph. When the head moves, this fluid shifts, stimulating hair cells within a structure called the ampulla. These hair cells then send electrical signals to the brain via the auditory nerve, enabling the body to sense motion and maintain equilibrium. The posterior canal works in tandem with the right anterior semicircular canal to detect specific head movements.314
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
human earSemicircular canalsposition: superior, horizontal, and posterior. The superior and posterior canals are in diagonal vertical planes that intersect at right angles. Each canal has an expanded end, the ampulla, which opens into the vestibule. The ampullae of the horizontal and superior canals lie close together, just above the oval window,…
Read Moreposition: superior, horizontal, and posterior. The superior and posterior canals are in diagonal vertical planes that intersect at right angles. Each canal has an expanded end, the ampulla, which opens into the vestibule. The ampullae of the horizontal and superior canals lie close together, just above the oval window,…
Read More- vestibular systemSemicircular canals
The superior and posterior canals are in diagonal vertical planes that intersect at right angles. Each canal has an expanded end, the ampulla, which opens into the vestibule. The ampullae of the horizontal and superior canals lie close together, just above the oval window, but the ampulla of…
Read MoreThe superior and posterior canals are in diagonal vertical planes that intersect at right angles. Each canal has an expanded end, the ampulla, which opens into the vestibule. The ampullae of the horizontal and superior canals lie close together, just above the oval window, but the ampulla of…
Read More - semicircular canalAnatomy
The anterior and posterior loops are in diagonal vertical planes that intersect at a 90-degree angle.
Read MoreThe anterior and posterior loops are in diagonal vertical planes that intersect at a 90-degree angle.
Read More