Attached to the maculae are crystals of carbonate of lime called otoconia.
These maculae will be found by the touch to be slightly elevated, although they seem level to the eye.
plural maculae, from Latin macula "spot, stain," used of various spots (sunspots, markings on minerals, etc.), of uncertain origin. Especially the macula lutea in the eye.
macula mac·u·la (māk'yə-lə)
n. pl. mac·u·las or mac·u·lae (-lē')
Also mac·ule (-yōōl') A spot, stain, or blemish, especially an area of discoloration on the skin caused by excess or lack of pigment.
A small area distinguishable from the surrounding tissue.
The macula lutea.
