Ear Anatomy: Hearing and Balance

The external ear consists of the auricle (pinna) and the external acoustic meatus (ear canal). The auricle collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal, while the ear canal conducts sound waves to the eardrum (tympanic membrane).

The three auditory ossicles in the middle ear are the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). They transmit and amplify sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

The medical term for inflammation of the external ear is Otitis externa. It involves inflammation of the auricle (pinna) and the external acoustic meatus (ear canal).

<p>The bony labyrinth in the internal ear consists of the vestibule, cochlea, and three semicircular canals. It is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve) carries nerve impulses for both hearing and balance from the ear to the brain.</p> Signup and view all the answers