Anatomy

Otolithic Membrane

A gelatinous membrane overlying the acoustic maculae of SACCULE AND UTRICLE. It contains minute crystalline particles (otoliths) of CALCIUM CARBONATE and protein on its outer surface. In response to head movement, the otoliths shift causing distortion of the vestibular hair cells which transduce nerve signals to the BRAIN for interpretation of equilibrium.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A gelatinous membrane overlying the acoustic maculae of SACCULE AND UTRICLE. It contains minute crystalline particles (otoliths) of CALCIUM CARBONATE and protein on its outer surface. In response to head movement, the otoliths shift causing distortion of the vestibular hair cells which transduce nerve signals to the BRAIN for interpretation of equilibrium.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

9 entry terms
  • Membrane, Otolithic
  • Membranes, Otolithic
  • Otolithic Membranes
  • Otoconia
  • Otoliths
  • Statoconia
  • Otoconias
  • Otolith
  • Statoconias

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

24 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

History Note

91(83); was see under SACCULE AND UTRICLE 1983-90

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Labyrinth (1966-1982)
  • Maculae, Acoustic (1979-1982)
  • Saccule and Utricle (1975-1982)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Otolithic Membrane. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D010037. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D010037
  2. Otolithic Membrane. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otolithic_membrane
  3. Otolithic Membrane. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7108965