A passenger feels pushed sideways into her seat when an aeroplane accelerates along the runway. Which receptor detects this stimulus?
- A Macula of the utricle ✓
- B Crista ampullaris of the lateral semicircular canal
- C Macula of the saccule
- D Basilar membrane of the cochlea
Correct answer: A. Macula of the utricle
Explanation
The macula of the utricle lies predominantly in the horizontal plane on the floor of the utricle, so its otoconia-laden otolithic membrane responds to horizontal linear acceleration such as forward motion of a vehicle. The saccular macula is oriented vertically and detects vertical linear acceleration, including gravity. Cristae ampullares detect angular (rotational) acceleration, not linear acceleration, which eliminates option B.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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