Semicircular canal

/sˌɛmɪsˈɜːkjʊlə kənˈal/

/sˌɛmɪsˈɜːkjʊlɚ kənˈæl/

[noun]

Semicircular canal

[NOUN]

a fluid-filled structure in the inner ear that detects rotational movements and helps maintain balance

What is "semicircular canal"?

The semicircular canal is a part of the vestibular system in the inner ear and is essential for our sense of balance. Each canal is oriented in a different plane and filled with fluid. When we move our head, the fluid in the canals moves as well, stimulating specialized hair cells that send signals to the brain about the direction and speed of the head movement. This information allows us to maintain our balance, adjust our posture, and coordinate our movements effectively.

Examples

1. If you're having vertigo, you're having a problem with these semicircular canals, usually, it's not a serious condition.

2. And these funny, loop-shaped structures that I'm grasping are the semicircular canals, which mediate the sense of balance or angular acceleration.

3. Well, that part of the ear, the inner ear, that deals with equilibrium and balance, so-called semicircular canals, was probably off.