semicircular canal

sem·i·cir·cu·lar canal (sm-sûrky-lr)

n.

Any of three bony tubes in the labyrinth of the ear within which the semicircular ducts are located.

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semicircular canal

[-sur′kyələr]

Etymology: L, semi-, half, circulare, to go around, canalis, channel

any of three bony fluid-filled loops in the osseous labyrinth of the internal ear, associated with the sense of balance. The posterior, superior, and lateral canals, all about 0.8 mm in diameter and perpendicular to each other, open into the cochlea. The posterior canal is the longest.