Semicircular Canals

The semicircular canals are located in the inner ear and are responsible for our sense of balance.

There are three canals: the horizontal, posterior, and superior canals.

They are lined with tiny hairs called cilia which act as motion sensors - they move as we move. They send this information to the brain which allows us to balance as we stand and move. Disruption or damage to the semicircular canals can cause a loss of balance, unstableness, and a loss of hearing.