Which section of the inner ear is coiled and resembles a snail, with its base located in the oval window?

The cochlea is the section of the inner ear that is coiled and resembles a snail. This spiral-shaped structure plays a crucial role in the auditory system. Its base is connected to the oval window, which is a membrane-covered opening that leads from the middle ear to the cochlea. The movement of the oval window creates waves in the fluid within the cochlea, facilitating the process of hearing by converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses.

The cochlea consists of three fluid-filled chambers that are integral to the process of detecting sound. As sound waves travel through the oval window and into the cochlea, they trigger hair cells in the organ of Corti, which are responsible for converting these vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain.

In contrast, the semicircular canals are involved in maintaining balance and spatial orientation, rather than in the auditory function. The bony labyrinth refers to the bony outer wall of the inner ear that houses both the cochlea and the vestibular system. The round window, while also part of the inner ear, serves to alleviate pressure within the cochlea and does not have the coiled structure or role of sound processing characteristic of the cochlea. Therefore, the cochlea is the distinct answer that fits the description provided in