What is the function of "Labyrinth" in the context of the inner ear?

The labyrinth, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in both balance and hearing. It comprises two major parts: the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth. The bony labyrinth is a series of interconnected chambers and canals filled with a fluid called perilymph, while the membranous labyrinth contains another fluid known as endolymph.

Within the labyrinth, the cochlea is specifically responsible for hearing, where sound waves are transformed into nerve impulses that the brain interprets as sound. Meanwhile, the vestibular apparatus, which includes the semicircular canals and the otolithic organs, is integral to maintaining balance. These structures detect head movements and the position of the body in space, enabling the brain to coordinate movement and maintain equilibrium.

This intricate system ensures that the body can not only hear but also maintain posture and balance, highlighting the labyrinth's pivotal function in sensory perception related to auditory and vestibular functions.