Special Senses | Vestibule | Maculae: Utricle and Saccule

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Ninja Nerds!
In this lecture, Professor Zach Murphy will explore the anatomy and physiology of the vestibule, focusing on the maculae within the utricle and saccule. We will review the structural organization of these otolithic organs, including the arrangement of hair cells, supporting cells, and the overlying otolithic membrane embedded with calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia). You will learn how the utricle primarily detects horizontal linear acceleration, while the saccule is specialized for detecting vertical linear acceleration and head tilt.

We will also discuss the detailed sensory transduction mechanism, describing how displacement of the otolithic membrane in response to gravity or linear acceleration causes deflection of stereocilia, altering the firing rate of the vestibular nerve fibers. The lecture will highlight the central connections of these signals to the vestibular nuclei and their integration with visual and proprioceptive input for balance and spatial orientation.

By the end of this session, you will clearly understand the functional roles of the utricle and saccule, how their maculae contribute to equilibrium, and how disturbances in these structures can lead to balance disorders and vertigo.

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