Vestibular macula

The left image is similar to a plane of section indicated by the double arrow in the illustration on the right.

The utricle is one of the two structures of the membranous labyrinth located in the vestibule. A thickening in the epithelial lining of the utricle forms the macula, a neuroepithelial receptor, innervated by the vestibular division of cranial nerve VIII. The macula of the saccule would be identical to that shown here in the utricle.

The utricle is one of the two structures of the membranous labyrinth located in the vestibule. A thickening in the epithelial lining of the utricle forms the macula, a neuroepithelial receptor, innervated by the vestibular division of cranial nerve VIII. The macula of the saccule would be identical to that shown here in the utricle.

Each macula contains hair cells that possess stereocilia and a cilium, embedded in a gelatinous layer. Otoliths are suspended at the surface of the gel. Changes in gravity and linear motion displace the otoliths, which deflect the stereocilia and cilium, thereby initiating an impulse in CN VIII.

Each macula contains hair cells that possess stereocilia and a cilium, embedded in a gelatinous layer. Otoliths are suspended at the surface of the gel. Changes in gravity and linear motion displace the otoliths, which deflect the stereocilia and cilium, thereby initiating an impulse in CN VIII.

Each macula contains hair cells that possess stereocilia and a cilium, embedded in a gelatinous layer. Otoliths are suspended at the surface of the gel. Changes in gravity and linear motion displace the otoliths, which deflect the stereocilia and cilium, thereby initiating an impulse in CN VIII.

The sensory cell bodies of the neurons supplying the maculae and cristae ampullares are located adjacent to these receptors. These neurons are part of the vestibular division of the vestibulocochlear nerve, CN VIII.