Otolithic organs for linear acceleration

Otolithic organs(utricle and saccule) primarily perceive head acceleration in horizontal or vertical directions, referred to as “linear acceleration”. These organs contain otoconia, minuscule crystal particles about one-hundredth of a millimeter in size, arranged within an organic mesh located on top of hair cells. This heavier-than-liquid structure maintains its inertia during acceleration, allowing the delicate hair cells on the macula to perceive. In summary, we possess two sets of inertial sensors on each side of our head, crucial for maintaining balance. Also, otoconia will soon play a very important role in the BPPV pathogenesis which we will discuss in the following pages.

“Numerous vertigo and balance disorders related to the inner ear have been described, affecting the functions of both the semicircular canals and otolithic organs.”