Basic Human Anatomy

11-36. SEMICIRCULAR DUCTS

11-36. SEMICIRCULAR DUCTS

Extending from and opening into the utriculus are three hollow structures called the semicircular ducts. Since the utriculus completes the circle for each duct, the ducts act as if they were complete circles.

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a. Orientation. Two of the ducts are vertically oriented (one anterior and one posterior). The third duct is essentially horizontal. The three ducts are all oriented at right angles to each other. In addition, the three ducts of one membranous labyrinth are matched or paired by the three ducts of the opposite membranous labyrinth.

b. Ampullae and Cristae. Each semicircular duct ends with an enlargement where it opens into the utriculus. This enlargement or swelling is called an ampulla. The crista is at a right angle to the axis of the duct. Movement of the endolymph within the duct--caused by movement of the head in space--deforms (bends) the hairs of the crista in specific directions. These are responses to linear and/or angular kinetic gravitational forces.

Primary Content Providers: The U. S. Army, The U.S. Navy
Ancillary Content and Online Version: David L. Heiserman
Publisher: SweetHaven Publishing Services