Nerve Ampullary Lateral

The ampullary lateral nerve (lat. n. ampullaris lateralis) is a branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve that innervates the lateral semicircular canal.

The ampullary nerve lateralis arises from the vestibular nerve in the internal auditory canal and goes to the ampulla of the lateral semicircular canal. Along the way, the nerve gives off thin branches to the wall of the internal auditory canal.

In the ampulla of the lateral semicircular canal, the ampullar lateral nerve divides into ascending and descending branches, which innervate the crista of the ampulla.

The ampulla crista contains receptors sensitive to angular acceleration in the horizontal plane. Impulses from these receptors travel through the ampullary nerve to the brain stem and participate in the regulation of balance.

The lateral ampullary nerve (lat. n. ampullaris lateralis, pna) is a branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve that innervates the lateral semicircular canal.

The ampullary nerve laterally arises from the main trunk of the vestibulocochlear nerve in the internal auditory canal. The nerve then passes through the bony canal and reaches the lateral semicircular canal, where it innervates the receptors in the ampulla of this canal.

Functionally, the lateral ampullary nerve ensures the conduction of impulses from the receptors of the lateral semicircular canal to the central nervous system. These impulses carry information about head movements in the frontal plane. Disturbances in the nerve can lead to dizziness and balance problems.