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The saccule and gravity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2025

Hiroaki Ichijo  and
Hisako Ichijo
Hiroaki Ichijo*
Affiliation:
Ichijo Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Hirosaki, Japan
Hisako Ichijo
Affiliation:
Ichijo Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Hirosaki, Japan
*
Corresponding author: Hiroaki Ichijo; Email: hiro3387@mvj.biglobe.ne.jp
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Abstract

Background

The important role of the saccule is the sensing of gravity. In other words, gravity always stimulates the macula of the saccule.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to clarify whether nystagmus and dizziness occur by intentional changes upon stimulation to the saccules.

Methods

The subjects were eight healthy humans. Experiment 1: Subjects were asked to maintain a supine position to check for nystagmus and dizziness. Experiment 2: Subjects were asked to tilt their heads 45º to the left in the supine position to check for nystagmus and dizziness. Experiment 3: Subjects were asked to maintain a left-ear-down 90º position to check for nystagmus and dizziness.

Results

In all the experiments, no one revealed nystagmus and no one complained of dizziness.

Conclusion

Neither nystagmus nor dizziness occurs by intentional changes in the stimulation to the saccules.

Keywords

anatomybalanceinner earneurologyphysiologyvertigo

Information

Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 139 , Issue 8 , August 2025 , pp. 718 - 722
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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Footnotes

Hiroaki Ichijo takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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