What is otolith?

Otolit, also known as Outokonium, is a small limestone crystal found in a gelatin layer that covers the cells of the hair receptor in the trade fair and saccule inner ear. Utricle and saccule are areas inside the ear that detect acceleration when one moves in a straight line, whether horizontally or vertically. When acceleration occurs, each otolite is moved and this movement is transferred to the hair cells down, causing nerve impulses. The vestibular nerve carries impulses into the brain where information can be processed. Fish have much larger otolites than humans.

The inner ear contains a number of spaces known as the bone labyrinth. These channels are full of fluids called Perilymph, and inside, roughly monitoring the shape of the bony labyrinth, is known as a membrane labyrinth. The membranous labyrinth consists of a closed system of spaces filled with another fluid known as endolymphs and dilated to create two specialized habitats of Utricle and Saccule. These are known as otolithic organs. Other areas of membrane LAByrinta, semicircular channels and cochlea, do not contain otolites.

Inside Utricle and Saccule, a number of areas containing receptor cells are found. These cells, also called hair cells, are arranged so that the slight properties of similar processes protruding from their surfaces are built into gelatin material containing otolites. When the body accelerates, each otolite moves and the movement is transmitted through a gelatin substance, resulting in distortion of hair cell processes. The hair cells are associated with nerve endings and distortion triggers nerve pulses that travel through the vestibular nerve branches to reach the brain.

Utricle and saccule are responsible for the detection of various types of linear acceleration, with the Utricle responsible for horizontal movement and saccule, vertical. The individual otolite is made of calcium or limestone and protein. It is uncertain whether the body is capable ofReplace Otolita if it is postponed from its gelatin support, but it is known to fall. Otolites also degenerate with age and can be damaged by certain medicines.

fish have relatively large otolites that use to hear, balance and accelerate the meaning. As fish otolites grow in layers similar to tree rings, scientists can study them to discover the age and growth pattern of fish. It is assumed that increasing ocean carbon dioxide levels can increase the size of otolites in some fish.