What Are the Semicircular Canals?
The semicircular canals are fluid-filled, roughly semicircular tubes that are part of the structure of the inner ear. The canals sit at right angles to each other, are all attached and detect horizontal and vertical movement as well as acceleration. Movement of the fluid, called endolymph, inside the canals causes tiny hairs, or cilia, inside the tubes to shift and move. Tiny particles within the endolymph also function to stimulate the cilia. The cilia act as motion sensors, sending information to the brain that is interpreted to help maintain balance.
