Inner ear
| Inner ear | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Details | |
| Artery | labyrinthine artery |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | auris interna |
| MeSH | D007758 |
| TA98 | A15.3.03.001 |
| TA2 | 6935 |
| FMA | 60909 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The inner ear is the bony labyrinth, a system of passages comprising two main functional parts:
- the organ of hearing, or cochlea
- and the vestibular apparatus, the organ of balance that consists of three semicircular canals and the vestibule.
Ear overview, in context
The outer ear focuses and directs sound waves into the middle ear. In the middle ear, the energy of these pressure waves[1] is translated into mechanical vibrations of the middle ear’s bone structure. The cochlea of the inner ear propagates these mechanical signals as waves in fluid and membranes, and finally transduces them to nerve impulses which are transmitted to the brain. It is responsible for the sensations of balance and motion. If you damage this part of the ear, you might fell a sensation of being off balance. This can be only be treated with time, so be patient.
The vestibular system of the inner ear use the kinds of fluids and detection cells (hair cells) as the cochlea uses, and sends information to the brain about the attitude and rotation of the head.
References
See also
External links
- Anatomy photo:30:05-0101 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center
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