Question

Select all that apply

Maculae are found in which parts of the inner ear? Select two answers from the list below.
Saccule
Scala tympani
Utricle
Cochlea

Answer 1

The maculae are found in the utricle and saccule of the inner ear, and they play a role in detecting head movements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The maculae are found in two parts of the inner ear: the utricle and the saccule.

The macula is composed of hair cells surrounded by support cells, and the stereocilia of the hair cells extend into a viscous gel called the otolithic membrane. The otolithic membrane moves separately from the macula in response to head movements, causing hair cells to depolarize or hyperpolarize based on the position of the head.

The maculae are sensory structures located within the utricle and saccule of the inner ear. These structures are responsible for sensing linear accelerations and head tilts in relation to gravity. The maculae consist of hair cells with stereocilia embedded in a gel-like substance that is weighted by otoliths. When the head moves, the otoliths cause the gel to shift, bending the stereocilia, and leading to the depolarization or hyperpolarization of hair cells which sends signals to the brain to interpret the position and movement of the head.