The fluid within the semicircular canals and the otoliths present in the utricle and saccule play very similar roles in our sense of equilibrium.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both the fluid in the semicircular canals and the otoliths (calcium carbonate crystals) in the utricle and saccule are involved in detecting the position and movement of the head, which helps us maintain our balance and sense of spatial orientation. However, they work slightly differently: the semicircular canals are responsible for detecting rotational movements while the otoliths detect linear acceleration and gravity.

The Fluid Within the Semicircular Canals and the Otoliths Present