Definition
The labyrinth and otoliths are the part of the inner ear responsible for detecting head motion in any and all directions.
Basic Characteristics
Definitions
The term labyrinth refers to the inner ear structures that are housed within the petrous part of the temporal bone, which includes both the cochlea and the vestibular structures. However, clinical use of the term “labyrinth” commonly refers to the vestibular portion of the inner ear.
Introduction
The vestibular system is responsible for balance and plays an important role in postural control and visual fixation during head movement. The peripheral vestibular organs, composed of a membranous labyrinth enclosed within a bony labyrinth, are found in the inner ear. The membranous labyrinth consists of the three semicircular canals (superior, posterior, and lateral), as well as the two otolith organs, namely, the utricle and saccule. The semicircular canals respond to angular...
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References
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Lee, S., Kaylie, D.M. (2013). Balance (Anatomy: Labyrinth and Otoliths). In: Kountakis, S.E. (eds) Encyclopedia of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-23499-6_650
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-23499-6_650
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
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