Otoliths as biomechanical gravisensors.

This paper analyzes experimental data related to the reaction of otolith afferents in response to acceleration (Fernandez and Goldberg, 1976). It considers the assumptions that were the basis of the interpretation of the stimulus-response characteristics of afferents proposed by Fernandez and Goldberg. Comparing these experimental data with the results of modeling the otolith structures of vertebrates indicates that some peculiarities of the neural responses may be explained by the spatial dependence of the material parameters of the otolithic membrane across its thickness and within the volume of the membrane corresponding to the terminal field. The importance of the spatial dependence of the material parameters of the otolithic membrane for otolith functioning is discussed.