•  
  •  

Inner Ear

Picture of the inner ear

The inner ear is made up of the cochlea and the semicircular canals.

The cochlea is the main sensory organ of hearing. Sound vibrations from the middle ear make the fluid in the inner ear move. The fluid then bends tiny hair cells in the cochlea. When the hair cells move, impulses travel along the cochlear nerve to the brain. These nerve impulses are translated into sound in your brain.

The semicircular canals have special cells that detect motion and changes in position. Tiny calcium "stones" inside your semicircular canals help you keep your balance. When you move a certain way, such as when you stand up or turn your head, these stones move around. This helps your brain know which way your body is positioned.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology
Last Revised December 16, 2010

Last Revised: December 16, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.