otocysts
/ˈoʊtəˌsɪsts/
noun
- Small sensory organs in some animals (such as invertebrates) that help with balance and detecting movement or gravity.
- Scientists study the otocysts of crabs to understand how they maintain balance on uneven surfaces.
- Jellyfish have simple otocysts that help them stay upright in the water.
- The otocysts in a snail allow it to sense which way is up as it moves along the ground.