Which of the following components is involved in the vestibular system of balance?

The utricle is a component of the vestibular system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation in the body. It is one of the two otolith organs in the inner ear, the other being the saccule. The utricle is specifically responsible for detecting linear accelerations and the position of the head in relation to gravity. It contains hair cells that respond to the movement of tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoliths) that shift in response to changes in position, thus sending signals to the brain about balance and spatial awareness.

In contrast, the cornea, pinna, and retina pertain to different systems and functions. The cornea is part of the eye responsible for focusing light; the pinna is the outer ear that collects sound waves; and the retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that processes visual information. None of these structures are involved in the vestibular system or contribute directly to balance regulation.