The collective term for the convoluted structures of the inner ear.
The first part of the labyrinth is the cochlea, which contains the mechanism of hearing.
Situated behind the cochlea are 2 sacs (the saccule and the utricle) and 3 fluid-filled semicircular canals, all of which are concerned with balance.
A convoluted system of structures forming the inner EAR and involved in hearing and balance.
(inner ear) n. a convoluted system of cavities and ducts comprising the organs of hearing and balance. The membranous labyrinth is a series of interconnected membranous canals and chambers consisting of the *semicircular canals, *utricle, and *saccule (concerned with balance) and the central cavity of the *cochlea (concerned with hearing). (See illustration.) It is filled with a fluid, endolymph. The bony labyrinth is the system of the bony canals and chambers that surround the membranous labyrinth. It is embedded in the petrous part of the *temporal bone and is filled with fluid (perilymph).
In?ammation of the LABYRINTH of the EAR. Usually caused by bacterial or viral infection, the former often the result of inadequately treated otitis media (see EAR, DISEASES OF – Diseases of the middle ear), or MEASLES. Symptoms are VERTIGO, nausea, vomiting, nystagmus (see EYE, DISORDERS OF), TINNITUS and loss of hearing. Bacterial infection needs treatment with ANTIBIOTICS; viral infection is usually self-limiting. ANTIHISTAMINE DRUGS will help reduce the vertigo. Rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infection in bacteria-based labyrinthitis.... labyrinthitis
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