Inner ear
Inner Ear (/'ɪnər 'ɪər/)
The Inner Ear is the innermost part of the vertebrate ear. In mammals, it consists of the bony labyrinth, a system of passages making up two main functional parts: the cochlea and the vestibular system.
Etymology
The term "Inner Ear" is derived from the location of this part of the ear. It is the innermost part of the ear, hence the name "Inner Ear".
Anatomy
The Inner Ear is found in all vertebrates, with significant variations in form and function. The inner ear is housed within the temporal bone. It is composed of two major parts: the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth. The bony labyrinth is a system of passages making up two main functional parts: the cochlea, which is involved in hearing, and the vestibular system, which is involved in balance.
Cochlea
The cochlea is the hearing part of the inner ear. It is a spiral-shaped cavity in the bony labyrinth, in humans making 2.5 turns around its axis, the modiolus. The cochlea is filled with a watery liquid, which moves in response to the vibrations coming from the middle ear via the oval window.
Vestibular System
The vestibular system is the balance part of the inner ear. It is the system of balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system is comprised of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs (the utricle and the saccule).
Related Terms
- Bony Labyrinth
- Cochlea
- Vestibular System
- Temporal Bone
- Oval Window
- Semicircular Canals
- Otolith Organs
- Utricle
- Saccule
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Inner ear
- Wikipedia's article - Inner ear
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