The elliptical sac (lat. utriculus; synonyms: utricle, sac, nut) is a small oval sac located in the cochlea of the inner ear. It plays an important role in the perception of sound and determining the direction of sound.
The elliptical pouch consists of two parts: elliptical and round. The elliptical part contains hairs called stereocilia. They are responsible for the perception of sound and the direction of sound, and the round part is responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals.
When sound waves pass through the elliptical part of the sac, they cause the stereocilia to vibrate. These vibrations are transmitted to the round part of the sac and converted into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain. The brain uses these signals to determine the direction of a sound and its volume.
In addition, the elliptical sac plays an important role in the orientation of the body in space. It receives information about the position of the body and transmits it to the brain, which helps a person maintain balance and orientation in space.
Although the elliptical sac is a very important organ for sound perception and spatial orientation, it can also be damaged in certain diseases such as Meniere's disease and acoustic neuroma.
Thus, the elliptical sac is an important organ for sound perception, spatial orientation and hearing protection. It plays a key role in our ability to perceive the world around us and maintain balance.