Final answer:
The bony labyrinth of the inner ear is lined with the membranous labyrinth, which contributes to hearing and balance by housing structures like the cochlea and the vestibule that translate sound and positional information into neural signals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bony labyrinth of the inner ear is lined with a series of fleshy tubes called the membranous labyrinth. This structure plays a crucial role in the process of hearing and maintaining balance. The inner ear has several parts: the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals which are all contained within the bony labyrinth and are essential for auditory and vestibular information transduction.
The cochlea is responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals that the brain can interpret. This is achieved via the organ of Corti, which is located in the cochlear region and contains sensory neurons known as the spiral ganglia. When the stapes vibrates against the oval window, it creates pressure waves in the cochlear fluid, stimulating the hair cells in the organ of Corti and sending auditory signals to the brain. Similarly, the vestibule and semicircular canals are involved in balance, with the fluid movement within these structures informing the brain about the body's position and motion.