inner ear: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Facts

Also Known As	labyrinth of the ear

Photos and Videos

Diagram illustrating how the basilar membrane in the cochlea analyzes sound frequencies, with a spiral showing frequency regions from base to apex and side panels depicting how high, medium, and low frequencies stimulate different membrane areas.

Diagram of the human ear showing how sound waves travel through the outer ear and auditory canal to the tympanic membrane, causing vibrations in the ossicles, and then through the middle and inner ear, including the cochlea. Color-coded sections highlight the outer ear in orange, middle ear in pink, and inner ear in blue.

generalized labyrinth of vertebrates

labyrinth of the inner ear

Cross-section diagram of the human ear showing the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, with labeled parts including the auricle, auditory canal, tympanic membrane, ossicles, cochlea, semicircular canals, and nerves.

Why do roller coasters make us feel dizzy?

Know how human ears help to perceive and distinguish sounds

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

vestibular system bony labyrinth hair cell vestibulocochlear nerve semicircular canal perilymph type I cell type II cell vestibular ganglion modiolus Why Are Elephants’ Ears So Big?hearing

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

Superficial arteries and veins of face and scalp, cardiovascular system, human anatomy, (Netter replacement project - SSC)

The Human Body