Learn about the ear’s functioning

Hyderabad: This is in continuation to the last article focusing on sense organs. In today’s article, we will learn further about the ear’s functioning. The inner ear also contains a complex system called vestibular apparatus, located above the cochlea. The vestibular apparatus is composed of three semi-circular canals and the otolith (macula is the sensory […]

Hyderabad: This is in continuation to the last article focusing on sense organs. In today’s article, we will learn further about the ear’s functioning.

• The inner ear also contains a complex system called vestibular apparatus, located above the cochlea.
• The vestibular apparatus is composed of three semi-circular canals and the otolith (macula is the sensory part of saccule and utricle).
• Each semi-circular canal lies in a different plane at right angles to each other. 4The membranous canals are suspended in the perilymph of the bony canals.
• The base of canals is swollen and is called ampulla, which contains a projecting ridge called crista ampullaris which has hair cells.
• The saccule and utricle contain a projecting ridge called macula.
• The crista and macula are the specific receptors of the vestibular apparatus responsible for maintenance of balance of the body and posture.

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