otoconia

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Introduction

Crystalline particles of calcium carbonate & protein that adhere to gelatinous membranes of the maculae of the utricle & the saccule (sensory epithelium in the inner ear) They are involved in the perception of gravity & acceleration. Gravity & acceleration cause the octoconia to deflect the stereocilia of sensory hair cells. Otoconia are required for normal processing of information regarding spatial orientation & acceleration.

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References

  1. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999
  2. UniProt http://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q7RTM1.html