Final answer:
The maculae in the utricle and saccule are responsible for monitoring static equilibrium which is the sense of head position relative to gravity, while the crista ampullaris in the semicircular canals senses dynamic equilibrium, tracking rotational movements of the head.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maculae, located in the utricle and saccule, monitor static equilibrium, which involves sensing the position of the head relative to gravity when the body is still. When it comes to the crista ampullaris, which is located in the semicircular canals, it monitors dynamic equilibrium, specifically detecting rotational movement of the head.
The macula's hair cells have stereocilia embedded in a viscous gel called the otolithic membrane, laden with otoliths (calcium carbonate crystals) that make the membrane top-heavy. When the head tilts, the otolithic membrane slides over the macula in the direction of gravity, bending the stereocilia and thus detecting static head position. On the other hand, the crista ampullaris contains hair cells whose stereocilia are moved by the fluid in the semicircular canals when the head rotates, thereby sensing dynamic changes.