Final answer:
The semicircular canals in the inner ear play a crucial role in maintaining equilibrium. They contain fluid that moves in response to changes in head position, and tiny hairs lining the canals sense this movement. The brain processes this information and sends signals to the muscles to maintain balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ear is responsible for our sense of balance. Specifically, the semicircular canals in the inner ear play a crucial role in maintaining equilibrium. These canals contain fluid that moves when the head changes position, and tiny hairs lining the canals sense the movement of the fluid. This sensory information is then transmitted to the brain, which interprets the impulses and sends messages to the peripheral nervous system, triggering muscle contractions to maintain balance.