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Questions and Answers
What are the three main parts of the human ear?
What are the three main parts of the human ear?
- Inner ear (correct)
- Middle ear (correct)
- Outer ear (correct)
- Eustachian tube
What is the function of the auricle (pinna)?
What is the function of the auricle (pinna)?
To collect and channel sound
The tympanic membrane separates the ______ ear and the external ear.
The tympanic membrane separates the ______ ear and the external ear.
middle
The eustachian tube connects the tympanic cavity with the outer ear.
The eustachian tube connects the tympanic cavity with the outer ear.
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What are the three bones in the middle ear?
What are the three bones in the middle ear?
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What fluid fills the bony labyrinth of the inner ear?
What fluid fills the bony labyrinth of the inner ear?
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The ______ complex contains receptors that maintain body balance.
The ______ complex contains receptors that maintain body balance.
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What structure in the inner ear is responsible for hearing?
What structure in the inner ear is responsible for hearing?
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Study Notes
Anatomy of the Ear
- The ear is essential for detecting, transmitting, and transducing sound, while also aiding in balance.
- Comprises three main parts: outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.
Outer Ear
- Auricle (Pinna): Made of elastic cartilage, it collects sound waves and directs them into the ear.
- External Auditory Meatus: A slightly curved canal lined with stratified epithelium and wax glands, supports sound transmission from the outer ear.
- Tympanic Membrane: Separates the outer ear from the middle ear, amplifies sound waves, and has a central part called the umbo.
Middle Ear
- Tympanic Cavity: An air-filled cavity bordered by the tympanic membrane and a bony wall that contains the auditory (Eustachian) tube.
- Eustachian Tube: A 4 cm long tube connecting the tympanic cavity to the nasopharynx, equalizing air pressure around the tympanic membrane.
- Ear Ossicles:
- Malleus: The largest ossicle, hammer-shaped and connected to the tympanic membrane.
- Incus: Anvil-shaped ossicle linked with the malleus and stapes.
- Stapes: The smallest ossicle and bone in the human body, plays a critical role in sound transmission.
Inner Ear
- Bony Labyrinth: Contains vestibule, three semi-circular canals, and the cochlea, filled with perilymph.
- Membranous Labyrinth: Houses sensory receptors responsible for hearing and balance, filled with endolymph, consisting of three semi-circular ducts, cochlear duct, saccule, and utricle.
- Sensory Receptors: Include cristae for balance, organ of Corti for hearing, and ampullaris maculae.
Functions of the Ear
-
Hearing:
- Ear ossicles receive vibrations from sound; the stapes pushes the oval window, transferring the motion to the cochlea.
- The organ of Corti converts vibrations into electrical impulses using tiny hair cells, which are sent to the brain via sensory nerves.
-
Balance:
- The Eustachian tube helps equalize middle ear air pressure.
- The vestibular complex contains specialized receptors that assist in maintaining body balance.
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