[Modeling of the structure and mechanics of the otolith membrane]

Behavior of otoliths of mammals against static (gravitation and changed pressure in the surrounding endolymph) and dynamic loads was surveyed using analytic and computerized (the finite difference method) models of the otolith membrane (OM). It was presumed that OM consists of gel-like and otoconial layers differing in mechanic and thickness. Comparison with available experimental data allowed to assess magnitudes of mechanic parameters of the gel-like layer responsible for OM interaction with the receptor hair cells (Yung's module for the layer is 1-10 N/m2 with the viscosity in the order of 1 poise), the characteristic times of otolith dynamics (T2 approximately 0.03 s, T1 approximately 10(-6)-10(-5) s), and the impact of changed endolymph pressure on the OM behavior. As was shown, inertial drift of mammalian OM is not so dependent on OM mass as on the relation of OM pressure on the molecular surface to Yung' module of the gel-like layer overlieing the macula.