1. balance nerve semicircular canals auditory nerve cochlea
The section of the ear that you are probably least familiar with is the inner ear.
balance nerve
semicircular canals
The inner ear is composed of 4 main parts:
auditory nerve
- cochlea
cochlea
- auditory nerve
- semicircular canals
- balance nerve

2. The sound wave energy from the middle ear bones causes fluid inside the cochlea to move.
Source: Promenade ‘round the Cochlea
Owner: Mireille Rebillard
cochlea
The moving fluid causes hair cells in the cochlea to make electrical impulses.

3. auditory nerve cochlea The auditory nerve is connected to the cochlea.
It carries these electrical sound impulses to the brain.
auditory nerve
The brain interprets the impulses as sounds.
cochlea

4. semicircular canals cochlea
The semicircular canals are connected to the cochlea.
semicircular canals
They help you keep your balance and let you know which way your head is moving.
cochlea

5. cochlea semicircular canals balance nerve auditory nerve balance nerve
The balance nerve sends this balance information to the brain.
cochlea
semicircular canals
balance nerve
auditory nerve
balance nerve
8th cranial nerve
The balance nerve and the auditory nerve combine to form the 8th cranial nerve.
auditory nerve