What is the name of spiral containing liquid in inner ear?

The spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that contains fluid and plays a crucial role in hearing and balance is called the cochlea. The cochlea is a fluid-filled, spiral-shaped cavity located in the inner portion of the temporal bone. It is composed of three fluid-filled chambers, namely, the scala vestibuli, scala tympani, and scala media, which are separated by delicate membranes called Reissner's membrane and the basilar membrane.

Sound waves, converted into mechanical vibrations by the middle ear, reach the inner ear and cause the movement of fluid within the cochlea. This fluid movement generates traveling waves along the basilar membrane, which in turn stimulates the hair cells located on the membrane. The hair cells convert the mechanical vibrations into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve.

The cochlea is essential for frequency discrimination and sound localization. Different regions along the basilar membrane are tuned to specific frequencies, and the brain processes the information from these regions to perceive sound pitch. Additionally, the cochlea also contributes to balance by detecting and processing information related to head movement and spatial orientation.