Otolith
Otolith
Otolith (pronounced: /ˈoʊtəlɪθ/), from the Greek words "oto" meaning ear and "lithos" meaning stone, refers to the tiny calcium carbonate structures located in the inner ear of vertebrates. They play a crucial role in the auditory and vestibular systems, aiding in hearing and balance.
Etymology
The term "otolith" is derived from the Greek words "oto", meaning ear, and "lithos", meaning stone. This is a reference to the otolith's location in the inner ear and its hard, stone-like composition.
Function
Otoliths are essential for two sensory functions: hearing and balance. They are located in the saccule and utricle of the vestibular system, where they respond to changes in body position and movement. When the head tilts or the body moves, the otoliths shift, triggering nerve signals that are sent to the brain. This information helps the brain understand the body's position and movement in space.
In the auditory system, otoliths are found in the cochlea. They contribute to the process of hearing by transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
Related Terms
- Vestibular system: The sensory system responsible for providing the brain with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation.
- Saccule and Utricle: Two structures in the vestibular system where otoliths are located.
- Cochlea: The spiral-shaped part of the inner ear involved in hearing, where otoliths transmit sound vibrations.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Otolith
- Wikipedia's article - Otolith
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