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inner ear
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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.
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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.
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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.
distribution of frequencies along the basilar membrane of the cochlea Model showing the distribution of frequencies along the basilar membrane of the cochlea.

inner ear

anatomy
Also known as: labyrinth of the ear
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History

inner ear, part of the ear that contains organs of the senses of hearing and equilibrium. The bony labyrinth, a cavity in the temporal bone, is divided into three sections: the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea. Within the bony labyrinth is a membranous labyrinth, which is also divided into three parts: the semicircular ducts; two saclike structures, the saccule and utricle, located in the vestibule; and the cochlear duct, which is the only...

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