What structures make up the inner ear labyrinth responsible for hearing and balance?

The inner ear labyrinth responsible for hearing and balance is primarily composed of the cochlea and semicircular canals. The cochlea is the spiral-shaped structure that converts sound vibrations into neural signals, allowing for the perception of sound. It contains hair cells that are crucial for transducing audio information.

The semicircular canals, on the other hand, are involved in maintaining balance and detecting rotational movements of the head. They are filled with fluid and lined with hair cells that respond to changes in the position and motion of the head.

When sound waves enter the cochlea, they create pressure waves that displace the fluid, leading to the activation of hair cells. At the same time, the semicircular canals help the body maintain equilibrium by providing information about the head's position in space. Together, these structures work in tandem, enabling the complex functions of hearing and balance.