The cupula is a gelatinous dome that sits on the crista ampullaris and stretches across the ampulla like a swing door. Its density matches the endolymph, so it is moved only by fluid flow, not gravity.
| Location | Over the crista ampullaris in each semicircular duct ampulla |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Vestibular nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve) |
| Blood Supply | Labyrinthine artery (usually from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery) |
Converts fluid movement during head rotation into bending of hair cells.
If crystals stick to the cupula (cupulolithiasis), it becomes sensitive to gravity, causing longer-lasting positional vertigo. Alcohol changes cupula density and causes positional vertigo and nystagmus when drunk.
Crystals attached to the cupula causing persistent positional vertigo.
Vertigo and nystagmus after drinking because alcohol alters cupula buoyancy.
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