Inner ear The inner ear is a fluid-filled cavity where the sensory organs for hearing and for balance are located.

The inner ear is the part of the ear that is most important for hearing and its function is very complex.

The labyrinth

The inner ear is a system of fluid-filled canals in the petrous portion of each temporal bone, which is called the labyrinth. The term labyrinth is used to illustrate the intricate maze of con-necting pathways and cavities. The labyrinth contains the organs for hearing and balance.

The sensory organ for balance

The organ for balance is the semi-circular canals sensing movement.

The sensory organ for hearing

The organ for hearing is also called the cochlea. It contains the central parts of the hearing function; the organ of Corti and hair cells.

SEE ALSO:

Cochlea

Organ of Corti

Hair cells

Hearing

Hearing, a tour of the ear