Final answer:
The patches of sensory epithelium within the utricle and saccule are called maculae. The maculae have hair cells with stereocilia that extend into the otolithic membrane, which contains otoliths. When the head tilts, the otolithic membrane shifts and bends the stereocilia, allowing the maintenance of balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patches of sensory epithelium within the utricle and saccule are called maculae. The maculae are composed of hair cells surrounded by support cells. The hair cells have stereocilia that extend into a gelatinous substance called the otolithic membrane, which contains calcium carbonate crystals called otoliths. When the head tilts, the otolithic membrane shifts, bending the stereocilia and stimulating the hair cells to send signals to the brain, allowing the maintenance of balance.