The crista ampullaris is the sensory ridge inside the swollen end (ampulla) of each semicircular duct. Its hair cells are embedded in a jelly-like cupula that bends when fluid moves during head rotation.
| Location | Within the ampullae of the anterior, posterior and lateral semicircular ducts |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Vestibular nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve) |
| Blood Supply | Labyrinthine artery (usually from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery) |
Detects rotational acceleration of the head in three planes.
Loose otoconia drifting into a duct disturb the cupula and cause benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, treated with repositioning manoeuvres. Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or ototoxic drugs can reduce crista function, causing imbalance.
Brief spinning attacks on head movement from loose crystals affecting a crista.
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve causing sudden prolonged vertigo.
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