Ear Parts AP Psychology Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the function of the cochlea?

It triggers nerve impulses when sound waves are present. (correct)

It helps maintain balance.

It vibrates in response to sound waves.

It gathers sound energy.

What is another name for the ear canal?

External auditory canal

What is the role of the anvil in the ear?

It passes vibrations from the hammer to the stirrup.

What is the common name for the malleus?

Hammer Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the stirrup bone?

It passes vibrations from the anvil to the cochlea. Signup and view all the answers

What does the eardrum do?

It vibrates in response to sound waves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the auditory nerve?

Carries hearing information between the cochlea and the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pinna?

It gathers sound energy and focuses it on the eardrum. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the semicircular canals?

Help you keep your balance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Eustachian tube?

Permits the equalization of pressure on each side of the eardrum. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ear Anatomy and Functions

Cochlea: A coiled, bony, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear; responsible for converting sound waves into neural signals.
Ear Canal: Also known as the external auditory canal; a passage that allows sound to travel to the eardrum.
Eardrum: A membrane in the middle ear that vibrates in response to incoming sound waves, initiating the hearing process.

Ear's Small Bones

Hammer (Malleus): The outermost bone of the three ossicles; it transmits vibrations from the eardrum to the anvil.
Anvil: A tiny bone that bridges the hammer and stirrup; it passes vibrations from the hammer to the stirrup.
Stirrup: Known as the smallest bone in the human body; it transfers vibrations from the anvil directly to the cochlea.

Additional Structures

Auditory Nerve: A bundle of nerve fibers that relays auditory information from the cochlea to the brain for processing.
Pinna: The visible part of the ear that helps capture sound and channels it toward the eardrum.
Semicircular Canals: Structures in the inner ear that contribute to maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
Eustachian Tube: Connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx; it helps equalize air pressure on either side of the eardrum, essential for proper hearing.

Description

Test your knowledge of the anatomy of the ear with these flashcards. This quiz focuses on key terms related to the inner ear and sound transmission, crucial for AP Psychology students. Enhance your understanding of auditory processes and prepare for your exams.