Cupula

The cupula is a structure in the vestibular system, sensing proprioception.

The cupula is located within the ampullae of each of the three semicircular canals. As fluid rushes by the cupula, hair cells within it sense rotational acceleration, and transmit the corresponding signal to the brain through the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)

In their natural orientation within the head, the cupulae are located on the medial aspect of the semicircular canals. In this orientation, the kinocilia rest on the posterior aspect of the cupula.

Effects of alcohol
''Further reading: Short-term effects of alcohol

Alcohol causes vertigo by affecting the cupula; the cupula floats in a fluid called the endolymph which is the same density as that of blood. As alcohol dilutes blood in the cupula, the cupula becomes less dense and rises. The cupula is thus sensitized, and responds to movement by sending more action potentials to the brain, "confusing" it and causing the common disorientation associated with drunkenness.

Other uses of cupula
The bony canal of the cochlea takes two and three-quarter turns around the modiolus. The modiolus is about 30 mm. in length, and diminishes gradually in diameter from the base to the summit, where it terminates in the cupula.
 * There is also a structure in the cochlea called cupula, i.e. the apex of the cochlea.


 * Cupula also describes a structure surrounding hair cell receptors sensitive to hydrodynamic flow in fish.


 * Another use of the term "cupula" is used to describe the cervical pleura in the thorax.


 * A layer in the otolith organs is also called cupula.