Ear

The ear is the sensory organ for both hearing and balance (equilibrium). It is divided into three parts: the outer ear (pinna and ear canal) collects sound waves; the middle ear (tympanic membrane and ossicles) amplifies and transmits vibrations; the inner ear (cochlea) transduces sound into neural signals via hair cells. The inner ear's vestibular system (semicircular canals, otolith organs) detects head position and movement.