Changes

The inner ear contains the '''cochlea''', '''vestibule''' and '''semicircular canals''' in the bony labyrinth of the '''petrous temporal bone'''.  These organs are responsible for the function of hearing and positional and gravitational relationships of the head at rest and during movement.

The inner ear contains the '''cochlea''', '''vestibule''' and '''semicircular canals''' in the bony labyrinth of the '''petrous temporal bone'''.  These organs are responsible for the function of hearing and positional and gravitational relationships of the head at rest and during movement.

==Function - Hearing==

==Function - Hearing==

*Both of the above pathways are bilateral. This means that if there is a lesion at any point along the pathway, it usually has no effect on hearing. Deafness is only usually caused if there is damage to either the auditory nerve, the cochlea, or the middle ear.

*Both of the above pathways are bilateral. This means that if there is a lesion at any point along the pathway, it usually has no effect on hearing. Deafness is only usually caused if there is damage to either the auditory nerve, the cochlea, or the middle ear.

*From the inferior colliculus, the information from both pathways is sent to the medial geniculate nucleus of the thalamus, which then leads on to the primary auditory cortex of the cerebral cortex.

*From the inferior colliculus, the information from both pathways is sent to the medial geniculate nucleus of the thalamus, which then leads on to the primary auditory cortex of the cerebral cortex.

==Function - Balance==

==Function - Balance==