The part of the inner ear that is responsible for hearing is

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which part of the inner ear is responsible for hearing (not balance).

Step 2: Explain the concept The inner ear has two main functional regions:

• Cochlea: a coiled, snail-shaped, fluid-filled tube. It contains the organ of Corti, whose hair cells convert sound vibrations into nerve impulses. These impulses travel to the brain through the auditory nerve. This is the organ of hearing.
• Vestibular apparatus: responsible for balance and posture. It includes: • Sacculus and utriculus, which detect the position of the head and linear movement (static balance). • Semicircular canals, with their ampullae, which detect rotation and changes in head movement (dynamic balance).

Step 3: Solution by elimination

• A. Sacculus: balance, so not correct.
• B. Cochlea: hearing, so correct.
• C. Utriculus: balance, so not correct.
• D. Ampullae: balance (at the base of the semicircular canals), so not correct.

Step 4: Answer The part of the inner ear responsible for hearing is the cochlea, which is option B.

Exam tip: Remember "Cochlea = Contains the Chime-detectors", or simply link cochlea with hearing. Everything else in the inner ear (sacculus, utriculus, semicircular canals, ampullae) belongs to balance. When JAMB asks about hearing vs. balance in the ear, split the inner ear into these two groups and the answer becomes easy.