What parts of the ear contains receptor for sense balance?

The parts of the ear that contain receptors for the sense of balance are located in the inner ear, specifically within the vestibular system. This system consists of three semicircular canals and two otolith organs (the utricle and saccule). Here's a breakdown of each component:

1. Semicircular canals: There are three semicircular canals, oriented in different planes. Each canal contains a fluid-filled duct and a sensory structure called the crista ampullaris. The receptors in the crista ampullaris are sensitive to angular acceleration or changes in rotational movement. When the head rotates, the fluid in the canals moves and stimulates these receptors, sending signals to the brain about the direction and speed of rotation.

2. Utricle: The utricle is an otolith organ responsible for sensing linear acceleration and the direction of gravity. It contains a sensory region called the macula, which consists of hair cells embedded in a gelatinous substance. When the head moves in a linear direction (e.g., forward, backward, up, or down), the macula is displaced, and the hair cells are stimulated, sending signals to the brain about the direction and magnitude of acceleration.

3. Saccule: The saccule is another otolith organ that works closely with the utricle in detecting linear acceleration and head tilt. It also contains a macula with hair cells that respond to gravity, helping maintain spatial orientation and balance.

Together, the semicircular canals and otolith organs provide the brain with information about the body's position, movement, and orientation in space, contributing to our sense of balance and equilibrium.