What is the primary component of the inner ear that is involved in hearing?

The cochlea is the primary component of the inner ear involved in the process of hearing. It is a spiral-shaped organ that transforms sound vibrations into neural signals. The cochlea contains fluid and hair cells that are vital for detecting sound waves. When sound enters the cochlea, it creates pressure waves in the fluid. These pressure changes stimulate the hair cells, which then convert mechanical energy into electrical impulses. These electrical signals are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve, allowing us to perceive sound.

The other components listed, such as vestibular sacs and semicircular canals, play crucial roles in balance and spatial orientation rather than in the direct process of hearing. The malleus, also known as the hammer, is one of the tiny bones in the middle ear that helps transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear but is not part of the inner ear itself. Thus, the cochlea stands out as the essential structure for the auditory function within the inner ear.