The effect of the utricle on fluid flow in the semicircular canals

Abstract

The fluid mechanics of the semicircular canals is examined theoretically. This analysis confirms earlier studies that indicate that the semicircular canal can be modeled as a heavily damped, second-order system. Included for the first time, however, is an accurate accounting of the effect of the utricle on fluid flow in the canals. Using available physiological data, quantitative predictions of canal response to angular acceleration are made.