Superior_semicircular_canal

The superior semicircular canal (anterior semicircular canal) is a part of the vestibular system and detects rotation of the head around a rostral-caudal (anterior-posterior) axis.

Structure

It is 15 to 20 mm in length, is vertical in direction, and is placed transversely to the long axis of the petrous portion of the temporal bone, on the anterior surface of which its arch forms a round projection. As part of the vestibular system it detects rotation of the head around a rostral-caudal (anterior-posterior) axis.

It describes about two-thirds of a circle.

Its lateral extremity is ampullated, and opens into the upper part of the vestibule; the opposite end joins with the upper part of the posterior canal to form the crus commune, which opens into the upper and medial part of the vestibule.

See also

• Semicircular canal

Additional images

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