Final answer:
The gelatinous material of the maculae in the inner ear is weighted by otoliths, which are calcium carbonate crystals that help with the sensing of linear acceleration and balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gelatinous material of the maculae is weighted by the presence of otoliths within the gel. The otolithic membrane is a gelatinous substance found in the utricle and saccule of the inner ear that contains calcium carbonate crystals. These otoliths make the otolithic membrane top-heavy, which helps in sensing linear acceleration, such as gravity acting on the tilting head or when the head moves in a straight line. The hair cells within the maculae have stereocilia that extend into this membrane, and when the otolithic membrane moves due to head movements, it causes the stereocilia to bend. This bending results in depolarization or hyperpolarization of hair cells, thus allowing the brain to interpret the position of the head.