labyrinth (inner ear)

Definition labyrinth (inner ear)

labyrinth (inner ear): labyrinth (inner ear) n. a convoluted system of cavities and ducts comprising the organs of hearing and balance. The membranous labyrinth is a series of interconnected membranous canals and chambers consisting of the *semicircular canals, *utricle, and *saccule (concerned with balance) and the central cavity of the *cochlea (concerned with hearing). see illustration. It is filled with a fluid - endolymph. The bony labyrinth is the system of the bony canal and chambers that surroud the membranous labyrinth. It is embedded in the petrous part of the *temporal bone and is filled with fluid(perilymph).