Otolith

Khalil, Michael

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_988-1

Michael Khalil³

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Synonyms

Otolithic membrane; Otolithic organs

Definition

Small calcium carbonate particles that compose the otolithic membrane.

Introduction

The otoliths are small calcium carbonate particles that make up the otolithic membrane, which accommodates the utricle and the saccule inside the vestibule (Chang and Khana 2013; Seikel et al. 2010). Their function contribute to balance and motion (Clarke et al. 2003).

The Saccule

The otolithic membrane covers the utricular macula which is a sensory organ endowed of hair cells and cilia (Seikel et al. 2010). The saccule has a globular-shaped sac which is located near the scala vestibuli in the vestibule (Lee et al. 2016). It is connected anteriorly to the cochlear duct by the ductus reuniens and posteriorly to the endolymphatic duct through the utriculosaccular duct (Lee et al. 2016). The saccule is connected with the cochlea through the miniscule ductus reuniens (Seikel et al. 2010).

The Utricle

The utricle is larger than the saccule, and is...

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References

Chang, R., & Khana, S. (2013). Anatomy of the vestibular system: A review. NeuroRehabilitation, 32, 437–443. https://doi.org/10.3233/NRE-130866.
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Oghalai, J. S., & Brownell, W. E. (2012). Chapter 44. Anatomy & physiology of the ear. In A. Lalwani (Ed.), Current diagnosis & treatment in otolaryngology – Head & neck surgery (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings, LLC.
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Authors and Affiliations

University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
Michael Khalil

Authors

Michael Khalil
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Correspondence to Michael Khalil .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
Todd K. Shackelford
Rochester, Michigan, USA
Viviana A. Weekes-Shackelford

Section Editor information

University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
Menelaos Apostolou

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Khalil, M. (2018). Otolith. In: Shackelford, T., Weekes-Shackelford, V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_988-1

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_988-1
Received: 18 January 2018
Accepted: 24 January 2018
Published: 31 January 2018
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-16999-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-16999-6
eBook Packages: Springer Reference Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences

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