Otoconia are tiny calcium carbonate crystals found in the inner ear, specifically within the utricle and saccule, which are parts of the vestibular system. They play a crucial role in helping the body maintain balance and spatial orientation by responding to gravity and head movements. When the head moves, the otoconia shift, causing the underlying sensory hair cells to bend. This bending sends signals to the brain about the position and motion of the head, allowing for proper coordination and balance. Displacement of otoconia can lead to balance disorders, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).