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    Anatomy of the Inner Ear

    There are 2 parts of the inner ear. One part (hearing canal or cochlea) is for hearing. The other part (balance canals, or semi-circular canals) is for balance.

    The canals are filled with a fluid called endolymph. A small organ called the endolymphatic sac keeps the level of this fluid up. In the hearing canal, sound waves cause vibrations in the endolymph. The inner ear detects these sound waves. It then sends nerve signals to the brain. The sound we hear is a result of how the brain interprets these nerve signals.

    In the balance canals, a change in position causes the fluid to move. This movement is detected in the balance part of the inner ear. Nerve signals are then sent to the brain.

    The balance canals collect balance information. The hearing canal collects sound information. The hearing and balance nerves carry this information to the brain from both parts of the inner ear.

    Cross section of ear showing outer, middle, and inner ear with closeup of cochlea

    Online Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
    Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2023
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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