Final answer:
The mound of hair cells and supporting cells within the ampullae of the semicircular ducts is known as the crista ampullaris, which senses rotational movement in contrast to the maculae in the utricle and saccule that sense linear movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mound of hair cells and supporting cells within the ampullae of the semicircular ducts is called the crista ampullaris. It is one of the sensory structures in the vestibular system responsible for detecting rotational movement of the head.
The term that refers to the mound of hair cells and supporting cells within the ampullae of the semicircular ducts is the crista ampullaris. The cupula is a specialized structure that sits above the crista ampullaris in the ampulla of the semicircular canals. When the head rotates, this gelatinous structure bends the stereocilia of the hair cells, transducing rotational movements of the head into neural signals interpreted by the brain.
The utricle and saccule, on the other hand, contain the maculae where hair cells are embedded in the otolithic membrane. These structures respond to linear accelerations, such as gravity, and are crucial for balance. In summary, the crista ampullaris is responsible for sensing rotational movement, and the maculae in the utricle and saccule detect linear movements.