The essential part of the hearing organ consists of two labyrinthine compartments: the bony labyrinthine and the membranous labyrinth. The bony labyrinth is a complex of three interconnecting cavities or spaces (COCHLEA; VESTIBULAR LABYRINTH; and SEMICIRCULAR CANALS) in the TEMPORAL BONE. Within the bony labyrinth lies the membranous labyrinth which is a complex of sacs and tubules (COCHLEAR DUCT; SACCULE AND UTRICLE; and SEMICIRCULAR DUCTS) forming a continuous space enclosed by EPITHELIUM and connective tissue. These spaces are filled with LABYRINTHINE FLUIDS of various compositions.

Synonyms: Labyrinth, Membranous, Labyrinths, Membranous, Ears, Internal, Bony Labyrinth, Bony Labyrinths, Labyrinth, Ear, Inner, Membranous Labyrinth, Inner Ear, Labyrinths, Internal Ears, Labyrinth, Bony, Ear, Internal, Ears, Inner, Inner Ears, Internal Ear, Membranous Labyrinths, Labyrinths, Bony