Histology Fact Sheet: Ear

The ear has three regions: an outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.  The inner ear contains the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth. The bony labyrinth contains perilymph. The membranous labyrinth contains endolymph.

The cochlea, semicurcular canals and vestibule are all part of the bony labyrinth.

The cochlea is a spiral shaped structure. Within the cochlea is the organ of Corti. The receptors for hearing are located within the organ of Corti. The hair cells are the receptor cells. The other cells are supporting cells.

The receptors for movement are located within the semicircular canals.  The crista ampullaris is the receptor for movement.

The vestibule contains the utricle and saccule.  The receptors for position are located within the utricle and saccule.