Every key term taught across the atlas, in one place. Each definition is harvested from the module where the term is introduced — follow the “defined in” link to read it in context. Bookmark a term to pin it to your progress dashboard.
Also: cupular membrane, cupular flap
The gelatinous flap spanning the ampulla into which the crista hair cells project. Unlike the otolithic membrane it carries no otoconia, so it is neutrally buoyant in endolymph.
See also: Labyrinth
Also: membranous labyrinth, vestibular labyrinth, inner-ear labyrinth
The peripheral vestibular apparatus housed within the temporal bone of each ear — the three semicircular canals and the two otolith organs, together with the fluid and hair cells inside.
Also: MLF
A brainstem tract connecting the vestibular nuclei to the ocular motor nuclei. It carries the signals of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and coordinates conjugate eye movement.
Also: otoliths, otolithic crystals, statoconia, otoconial crystals
Microscopic calcium-carbonate crystals embedded in the otolithic membrane. Their weight gives the membrane inertia, so it lags during acceleration and shifts under gravity — the physical basis of otolith sensing.
Also: vestibular ganglion
The vestibular ganglion, sited in the internal auditory canal. It holds the cell bodies of the bipolar primary sensory neurons that innervate the vestibular hair cells.
Also: vestibulo-ocular reflex gain, gain of the VOR
The ratio of eye movement to head movement in the vestibulo-ocular reflex. A gain of one keeps gaze perfectly fixed; the vestibulocerebellum continually re-calibrates it.
Definitions are written for teaching. For the full clinical context, follow each term back to the module that introduces it, or consult the references.