otólito

Otólito refers to tiny, calcareous or crystalline structures found in the sacculus and utriculus, which are two of the three fluid-filled sacs within the vestibular system of the inner ear. These structures are composed primarily of calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite crystals, embedded within a gelatinous matrix. The otolithic organs are crucial for sensing linear acceleration and gravity.

When the head changes position or moves in a straight line, such as during forward or backward movement, the otolithic membrane, which contains the otolithic crystals, shifts due to inertia. This movement bends the hair cells located beneath the otolithic membrane. These hair cells, in turn, send electrical signals to the brain via the vestibular nerve. The brain interprets these signals to provide information about the body's position relative to gravity and to detect changes in linear motion.

Disruptions to the otolithic system can lead to various vestibular disorders, including vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance. For example, otolithic crises, a term sometimes used to describe sudden, severe episodes of vertigo, can be associated with conditions like Meniere's disease or perilymphatic fistula. The health and proper functioning of otoliths are therefore essential for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.