Which organ senses linear acceleration?

Which organ senses linear acceleration?

• A. Vestibule
• B. Otolith
• C. Cochlea
• D. Semicircular

Answer: (B)

Linear acceleration is detected by the otolith organs in the vestibular system. The otoliths are calcium carbonate crystals embedded in a gelatinous layer over the hair cells of the utricle and saccule. When the head moves in a straight line or tilts, inertia makes these crystals lag behind, bending the hair cells and triggering signals that encode the direction and magnitude of linear movement, including gravity. The semicircular canals respond to rotational (angular) acceleration, not linear, via endolymph motion, while the cochlea handles hearing. The vestibule is the region that contains the otolith organs.

Linear acceleration is detected by the otolith organs in the vestibular system. The otoliths are calcium carbonate crystals embedded in a gelatinous layer over the hair cells of the utricle and saccule. When the head moves in a straight line or tilts, inertia makes these crystals lag behind, bending the hair cells and triggering signals that encode the direction and magnitude of linear movement, including gravity. The semicircular canals respond to rotational (angular) acceleration, not linear, via endolymph motion, while the cochlea handles hearing. The vestibule is the region that contains the otolith organs.