What is the Difference Between Crista and Macula?

The crista and macula are two important parts of the vestibular system in the inner ear, which is responsible for sensing balance and motion. They have distinct structures and functions:

• Crista: This is a sense organ found in the ampullae of the semicircular canals of the inner ear. The crista detects angular acceleration and deceleration directed along the plane of the duct. Each of the three semicircular canals has an ampulla, which contains a crista.
• Macula: This is a sensory spot located in the wall of the saccule, a part of the vestibule within the inner ear. The macula detects linear acceleration in the vertical plane (up and down). There are two maculae, one in the saccule and another in the utricle, both located in the vestibule.

In summary, the key difference between the crista and macula is their location within the inner ear and their function in detecting different types of motion: the crista is responsible for sensing angular acceleration, while the macula is responsible for detecting linear acceleration.

Comparative Table: Crista vs Macula

Here is a table comparing the differences between crista and macula:

Both crista and macula are important parts of the vestibular system in the inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium. They both have hair cells and play key roles in controlling acceleration. However, crista is responsible for controlling angular acceleration, while macula is responsible for controlling linear acceleration.