The hearing and equilibrium system of the body. It consists of three parts: the EXTERNAL EAR, the MIDDLE EAR, and the INNER EAR. Sound waves are transmitted through this organ where vibration is transduced to nerve signals that pass through the ACOUSTIC NERVE to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. The inner ear also contains the vestibular organ that maintains equilibrium by transducing signals to the VESTIBULAR NERVE.
Synonyms: Vestibulocochlear System, Ear, Vestibulocochlear Apparatus, Apparatus, Vestibulocochlear, Ears, System, Vestibulocochlear
Instance information
EAR, EXTERNAL, DEFORMITY was heading 1966-70 ,general only or unspecified; prefer EAR, EXTERNAL or EAR, MIDDLE or EAR, INNER; /abnorm permitted but note EAR DEFORMITIES, ACQUIRED; /surg: consider also OTOLOGIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES; ear acupuncture or otopuncture or auriculoacupuncture (acupunct ther with ear as pressure point): index under ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY (IM) + EAR, EXTERNAL (IM) ,use EAR /AB & EAR, EXTERNAL /AB & EAR DEFORMITIES, ACQUIRED to search EAR, EXTERNAL, DEFORMITY 1966-70; in searching non-acquired ear abnormalities consider EAR DEFORMITIES, ACQUIRED 1966-74
D004423