Final answer:
The sensory receptor with an otolithic membrane is found in the utricle and saccule of the inner ear, helping detect head orientation relative to gravity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sensory receptor that has an otolithic membrane associated with it is located in the utricle and saccule of the inner ear. These receptors are responsible for detecting head movements and changes in the body's orientation in relation to gravity. The otolithic membrane is a gelatinous substance that contains embedded calcium carbonate crystals known as otoliths. The hair cells in the maculae have their stereocilia embedded in this membrane. When the head tilts, the otolithic membrane's movement causes the stereocilia to bend, resulting in depolarization or hyperpolarization of the hair cells, providing information about the head's position to the brain.
The sensory receptor that has an otolithic membrane associated with it is the macula in the utricle and saccule of the inner ear.
The otolithic membrane is a gelatinous substance that contains calcium carbonate crystals and into which the stereocilia of the hair cells are embedded. On top of the otolithic membrane are otoliths, which essentially make it top-heavy.
When the head is tilted, the otolithic membrane slides over the macula in the direction of gravity, bending the stereocilia of the hair cells and causing some to depolarize and others to hyperpolarize. This pattern of hair-cell depolarization helps the brain interpret the exact position of the head.