Definition of Inner ear
The inner ear (internal ear, auris interna) is the innermost part of the vertebrate ear. In vertebrates, the inner ear is mainly responsible for sound detection and balance. In mammals, it consists of the bony labyrinth, a hollow cavity in the temporal bone of the skull with a system of passages comprising two main functional parts:
The cochlea, dedicated to hearing; converting sound pressure patterns from the outer ear into electrochemical impulses which are passed on to the brain via the auditory nerve.
The vestibular system, dedicated to balance.
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
Sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a type of hearing loss in which the root cause lies…
Ear
In vertebrates, an ear is the organ that enables hearing and (in mammals) body balance…
Hyperacusis
Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity to sound (including pain) and a low tolerance…
Waardenburg syndrome
Waardenburg syndrome is a group of rare genetic conditions characterised by at least…
Evolution of mammalian auditory ossicles
The evolution of mammalian auditory ossicles was an evolutionary process that resulted…
Ménière's disease
Ménière's disease (MD) is a disease of the inner ear characterized by potentially severe…
Electrical tuning
Electrical tuning is a mechanism by which vertebrates such as frogs and reptiles, which…
Universal neonatal hearing screening
Universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS), which is part of early hearing detection…
Auditory cortex
The auditory cortex is the part of the temporal lobe that processes auditory information…
Frequently asked questions
What is Inner ear?
The inner ear (internal ear, auris interna) is the innermost part of the vertebrate ear. In vertebrates, the inner ear is mainly responsible for sound detection and balance.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Inner ear – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by BruceBlaus . When using this image in external sources it can be cited as: Blausen.com staff (2014). " Medical… – CC BY 3.0