The utricle is the larger of the two otolith organs in the vestibule. Its sensory patch, the macula of the utricle, lies roughly horizontal when the head is upright. The five openings of the semicircular ducts lead into it.
| Location | Elliptical recess in the upper back part of the vestibule |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Utricular branch of the superior vestibular nerve (CN VIII) |
| Blood Supply | Anterior vestibular artery |
Senses horizontal linear acceleration and static head tilt relative to gravity.
Because of its horizontal orientation, the utricle mainly detects forward, backward and side-to-side linear movement and head tilt. Otoconia that break loose from the utricular macula can drift into a semicircular duct, causing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Ocular VEMP testing assesses utricular function.
Brief spinning episodes triggered by head position changes, caused by displaced utricular otoconia in a semicircular duct. It is treated with repositioning manoeuvres such as the Epley manoeuvre.
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