saccule meaning: definition, etymology

saccule

noun

/ˈsæk.juːl/

Etymology Borrowed from Latin sacculus (“a little sack or bag”), diminutive of saccus (“a bag, sack”). Doublet of sacculus.

Anatomy, Biology, Medicine, Natural sciences, Sciences A small sac, pouch, or cyst.

Anatomy, Medicine, Sciences The smaller of the two fluid-filled sacs forming part of the labyrinth of the inner ear (the other being the utricle). It contains a region of hair cells and otoliths which send signals to the brain concerning the orientation of the head.

Derived terms: saccular, sacculiform, sacculo-
Related terms: sac, utricle