Which component of the inner ear measures linear acceleration?

The otolith organs are responsible for measuring linear acceleration in the inner ear. These structures, which include the utricle and saccule, are sensitive to changes in the position of the head relative to gravity and linear movements. They contain tiny crystals that respond to movement by shifting, which stimulates sensory hair cells. This process translates the physical sensation of acceleration into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain for interpretation.

In contrast, the semicircular canals detect rotational movements rather than linear acceleration. They are oriented in three planes and respond to angular acceleration, which is a different form of movement than that measured by the otolith organs. The vestibular system encompasses both the otolith organs and semicircular canals, thus playing a broader role in balance and spatial orientation rather than specifically measuring linear acceleration. The auditory canal, on the other hand, is primarily associated with the sense of hearing and does not contribute to the measurement of acceleration at all.