Utricle, Endolymphaticus and Saccule:

Utricle, Endolymphaticus and Saccule:

The utricle is a dorsally placed structure to which all the three semicircular ducts are connected. The saccule is a ventrally situated structure which is joined with the utricle by a narrow utriculosaccular duct. From this duct a long tube, the ductus endolymphaticus arises which ends blindly as the saccus

endolymphaticus. Both utricle and saccule contain sensory patches, the maculae. A macula comprises sensory and supporting cells similar to those of the crista. The hair are not actually motile and are embedded in a gelatinous membrane, the otolith membrane in which there are also found very small crystals of calcium carbonate, the otolith. The cristae and maculae are the receptors of balance.

Both cristae and maculae are concerned with balance.