The internal ear, also known as the inner ear, is a vital part of the human ear that plays an important role in hearing and balance. Synonyms for internal ear include the labyrinth, cochlea, and vestibular system. The labyrinth, located in the temporal bone of the skull, includes the cochlea, responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Other terms used to describe the internal ear are the otic capsule and membranous labyrinth. While these terms may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, they are important for those in the medical and scientific fields to accurately communicate about the internal ear.