Utriculosaccular duct

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Ductus utriculosaccularis)

Utriculosaccular Duct

The Utriculosaccular Duct is a small, narrow tube that connects the saccule and the utricle, two of the five parts of the inner ear's vestibular system. The vestibular system is responsible for providing the brain with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation; it also is involved with motor functions that allow us to keep our balance, stabilize our head and body during movement, and maintain posture.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The utriculosaccular duct is a part of the membranous labyrinth, a system of fluid-filled tubes and sacs that are suspended within the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. The duct is located within the vestibule of the ear, which is the central part of the bony labyrinth. It serves as a conduit between the utricle and the saccule, allowing for the exchange of endolymph, a fluid that fills the membranous labyrinth and plays a crucial role in the functioning of the inner ear.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the utriculosaccular duct is to facilitate the flow of endolymph between the utricle and the saccule. This flow of fluid is essential for the proper functioning of the vestibular system. The movement of endolymph within the utriculosaccular duct, and the rest of the vestibular system, is what allows us to sense changes in our body position and maintain our balance.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Disorders of the utriculosaccular duct can lead to a variety of vestibular disorders, including Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). These conditions can cause symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, and hearing loss.

See Also[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD