The mazelike bony chambers of the inner ear are the
(A) cochlea,
(B) vestibule,
(C) osseous labyrinth,
(D) semicircular canals.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is (C) osseous labyrinth.
The inner ear contains structures responsible for hearing and balance, and the mazelike bony chambers referred to in the question are known as the osseous labyrinth. This complex system of passages is located within the temporal bone of the skull and consists of several key components, each with a distinct function.
The osseous labyrinth contains three primary parts: the cochlea, the vestibule, and the semicircular canals. The cochlea is responsible for hearing, converting sound vibrations into nerve signals that the brain can interpret. The vestibule and semicircular canals play vital roles in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
The cochlea is spiral-shaped and houses the organ of Corti, where the sensory cells for hearing are located. The vestibule, a central part of the labyrinth, contains structures that detect changes in head position, contributing to balance. The semicircular canals, three looped structures positioned at right angles to each other, detect rotational movements of the head, helping with balance during movement.
The osseous labyrinth is filled with a fluid called perilymph, which surrounds another structure called the membranous labyrinth, a series of membranes that contain endolymph, a fluid crucial for the function of the sensory organs. Together, these structures allow the ear to perform both hearing and balance functions.
In summary, the osseous labyrinth refers to the bony structures that house the sensory organs for hearing and balance, which include the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals. These intricate chambers are key to the functions of both hearing and equilibrium.