Plain English Meaning

A tiny jelly-like flap inside the inner ear that gets pushed by fluid when the head turns. That push is what tells the brain the body is rotating.

Full Definition

In the inner ear, the cupola is a small, gelatinous, dome-shaped structure inside each semicircular canal that bends in response to fluid movement caused by head rotation, stimulating sensory hair cells that signal angular motion to the brain.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument flying discussions about the inner ear, balance, and why pilots can feel a turn that may not match what the instruments show.

Derivation

From Latin cupula, meaning 'small cask' or 'little dome.' The name fits its rounded, dome-like shape sitting inside the canal.