Which canal is primarily responsible for detecting horizontal head rotation?

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Multiple Choice

Which canal is primarily responsible for detecting horizontal head rotation?

Explanation:
Rotations about a vertical axis, such as turning your head left or right, are detected primarily by the horizontal (lateral) semicircular canal. Its hair cells in the ampulla respond when endolymph moves during angular acceleration, bending the stereocilia and signaling the brain to adjust eye and head movements via the vestibular nerve. The anterior (superior) and posterior canals detect rotations in other planes (nodding and tilting), while the cochlea handles hearing. So the horizontal canal is the main sensor for horizontal head rotation.

Rotations about a vertical axis, such as turning your head left or right, are detected primarily by the horizontal (lateral) semicircular canal. Its hair cells in the ampulla respond when endolymph moves during angular acceleration, bending the stereocilia and signaling the brain to adjust eye and head movements via the vestibular nerve. The anterior (superior) and posterior canals detect rotations in other planes (nodding and tilting), while the cochlea handles hearing. So the horizontal canal is the main sensor for horizontal head rotation.

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