Question

question 19
mark this question
which structure of the inner ear is responsible for detecting head position,
vertical acceleration, and vertical deceleration?
utricle
otolith
semicircular canal
saccule

Explanation:

The saccule is a part of the inner ear's vestibular system. It contains hair cells that are sensitive to vertical (up - down) movements. When the head moves vertically (such as during acceleration or deceleration in the vertical plane), the otolithic membrane (containing otoliths) in the saccule moves relative to the hair cells. This movement causes the hair cells to depolarize or hyperpolarize, generating nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. The brain then interprets these signals to determine the head's position and the nature of the vertical acceleration or deceleration.
The utricle is more sensitive to horizontal movements. The semicircular canals detect rotational movements. The otolith is a component (calcium carbonate crystals) within the otolithic membrane of both the utricle and saccule, not a separate structure for detecting vertical acceleration and deceleration on its own.

Answer:

D. Saccule