Four Kinds of Forces Exerted on the Utricle
Abstract
Objective:
The utricle is commonly understood to detect gravity and horizontal linear acceleration. We hypothesized that it may also respond to vertical linear acceleration, horizontal angular acceleration, and centrifugal force.
Methods:
We performed six physical analogy experiments using deformable media, spring-mounted masses, and human squatting tasks (five healthy humans). Observations included deformation patterns and eye movement recordings.
Results:
(1) Submerged lead deformed the pudding, modeling gravitational deformation. (2–3) Spring-mounted masses deflected opposite to the direction of acceleration. (4) Human vertical motion did not elicit nystagmus. (5) Sudden rotation caused tangential deflection. (6) Constant-speed circular motion led to outward (centrifugal) deflection.
Conclusion:
The utricle can detect four distinct forces—gravity, horizontal and vertical linear acceleration, tangential angular acceleration, and centrifugal force—which suggests broader roles in postural control. Although utricular hair cells are continuously stimulated by Earth’s gravity, no nystagmus is observed under static conditions. Thus, static utricular activation alone does not elicit nystagmus. However, further studies are needed to quantify these effects and determine their physiological significance.
References
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