Horizontal cell

Horizontal Canal is a term used in anatomy and physiology to refer to a specific part of the inner ear known as the lateral semicircular canal. It is one of the three semicircular canals in the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.

Structure

The horizontal canal is approximately 2/3 the size of the anterior and posterior canals. It is positioned roughly horizontally in the skull, at right angles to the sagittal plane. The canal opens into the vestibule of the ear at both ends, but one end is enlarged to form the ampulla, which contains the crista ampullaris, a sensory organ for balance.

Function

The horizontal canal detects rotational movements of the head around the vertical axis (i.e., turning the head from side to side). This information is then transmitted to the brain via the vestibulocochlear nerve to help maintain balance and spatial orientation.

Clinical significance

Dysfunction of the horizontal canal can lead to conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is characterized by brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. Treatment for BPPV often involves maneuvers that utilize gravity to move the calcium crystal build-up that causes the condition.

See also

• Inner ear
• Vestibular system
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo