Semicircular canal ampullary nerve branch

The semicircular canal ampullary nerve branches are small offshoots of the vestibular division of cranial nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear nerve) that innervate the ampullae of the three semicircular canals within the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. In each ampulla, sensory hair cells detect angular acceleration of the head and generate electrical impulses that are transmitted via these nerve branches to the vestibular ganglion and onward to the central nervous system. These branches play a critical role in transmitting signals required for balance, spatial orientation, and coordination but do not represent a druggable molecular entity such as a receptor, enzyme, or ion channel.

Other names

Ampullary nerve branches of vestibular nerveAmpullary branchesSemicircular canal ampullary branches