Statoliths are small structures found in the statocysts of certain animals, playing a vital role in maintaining orientation and balance. They respond to gravity and inertia, allowing animals to detect their position relative to the ground. When an animal moves, the statoliths shift, triggering sensory cells that convey information to the nervous system, helping the organism understand its orientation in space. This mechanism is crucial for navigation, stability, and survival, particularly in aquatic environments where traditional visual cues may be less effective.