saccule

[ sak-yool ]

noun

1. Anatomy. the smaller of two sacs in the membranous labyrinth of the internal ear. Compare utricle ( def 3 ).
2. a little sac.

saccule

/ ˈsækjʊləs; ˈsækjuːl /

noun

1. a small sac
2. the smaller of the two parts of the membranous labyrinth of the internal ear Compare utricle

Word History and Origins

Origin of saccule¹

1830–40; < Latin sacculus sacculus

Word History and Origins

Origin of saccule¹

C19: from Latin sacculus diminutive of saccus sack ¹

Example Sentences

In those individuals, Balaban says, further tests implicated damage to the ear's otolith organs, the utricle and the saccule, key to sensing gravity.

From Science Magazine

The utricle and the saccule also have sensory hair cells that alert your brain when you have changed your position.

From Washington Post

In two areas of the inner ear, the saccule and the utricle, are hairlike cells topped with structures called otoliths.

From New York Times

The membranous labyrinth consists of a vestibular portion formed by two small sac-like dilatations, called the saccule and the utricle, the latter of which communicates with the semicircular canals by five openings.

From Project Gutenberg

In the vestibule we find two sacs, the saccule next to and communicating with the ductus cochlearis, and the utricle communicating with the semicircular canals.

From Project Gutenberg