a. rotation of the head to the right. b. very low-frequency sound waves that we can feel but not hear. c. tilting of the head to one side. d. linear acceleration of the head in a vertical plane.
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1
Understand that the macula is a sensory structure located in the utricle and saccule of the vestibular system in the inner ear.
Recognize that the utricle is primarily responsible for detecting linear accelerations and head tilts in the horizontal plane.
Recall that the macula contains hair cells embedded in a gelatinous layer topped with otoliths, which shift in response to movement, stimulating the hair cells.
Consider the options given: rotation of the head, low-frequency sound waves, tilting of the head, and linear acceleration.
Identify that the macula in the utricle is specifically sensitive to linear acceleration and head tilts, particularly in the horizontal plane, which helps in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Macula
The macula is a specialized sensory structure located within the utricle and saccule of the inner ear. It contains hair cells that respond to changes in head position and linear acceleration. The macula plays a crucial role in the vestibular system, helping the body maintain balance and spatial orientation.
Internal Regulation - The Tubuloglomerular Mechanism
Linear Acceleration
Linear acceleration refers to the change in velocity of an object in a straight line. In the context of the vestibular system, it is detected by the macula in the utricle and saccule, which respond to movements such as tilting or moving up and down. This detection is essential for maintaining balance and understanding one's position in space.
The utricle is one of the two otolith organs in the inner ear, the other being the saccule. It is responsible for detecting horizontal linear accelerations and head tilts. The utricle contains the macula, which is sensitive to gravitational forces and helps the brain interpret the body's orientation relative to the ground.