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Oti Oto

Otolith

/ˈōtlˌiTH/

Noun, pl. otoliths

1. A structure in the saccule or utricle of the inner ear, specifically in the vestibular labyrinth of vertebrates. The saccule and utricle, in turn, together make the otolith organs. They are sensitive to gravity and linear acceleration. Because of their orientation in the head, the utricle is sensitive to a change in horizontal movement, and the saccule gives information about vertical acceleration (such as when in an elevator). (wikipedia.org)

2. A small particle, comprised mainly of calcium carbonate, found in the inner ear of vertebrates, being part of the balance sense. (wiktionary.org)

3. A calcareous concretion in the inner ear of a vertebrate or in the otocyst of an invertebrate that is especially conspicuous in many bony fishes where it forms a hard body and in most of the higher vertebrates where it is represented by a mass of small calcareous otoconia. (merriam-webster.com)

4. Each of three small oval calcareous bodies in the inner ear of vertebrates, involved in sensing gravity and movement. (Google Dictionary)

Syn: statoconium, otoconium

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