A mathematical model for the unsteady fluid-dynamic response of the semicircular canals is presented. The endolymph is assumed to be an incompressible Newtonian fluid, and the presence and effects of both the utricle and the cupula are specifically accounted for. It is shown that the canal can be modeled as a heavily-damped, second-order system which behaves as an angular meter. Fairly good agreement is found between model predictions and experimental results. >