What bone is one of the densest in the body and houses the inner ear?

The petrous bone is indeed one of the densest bones in the human body and is located in the temporal bone. Its primary significance lies in its role in housing and protecting the structures of the inner ear, including the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals, which are essential for hearing and balance. The density of the petrous bone provides protection against trauma while also contributing to the stability of the skull.

The mastoid bone, while also part of the temporal bone and associated with the ear, mainly houses air cells and does not serve the same protective purpose for the inner ear structures. The tympanic bone is involved in forming part of the ear canal but does not provide housing for the inner ear. The styloid process is a slender bony projection from the temporal bone that serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments but does not pertain to the inner ear's housing or function.