Human Ear Anatomy and Function

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the eardrum in the outer ear?

It amplifies sound frequencies.
It collects sound waves.
It transmits signals to the brain.
It vibrates when sound waves hit it. (correct)

Which structure in the middle ear is NOT one of the ossicles?

Stapes
Incus
Cochlea (correct)
Malleus

What role does the cochlea play in the inner ear?

It directs sound waves into the ear canal.
It converts mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. (correct)
It amplifies sound frequencies.
It vibrates to transmit sound to the eardrum.

Which statement accurately describes the function of the pinna?

<p>It funnels sound waves toward the eardrum. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do hair cells in the cochlea respond to sound vibrations?

<p>They bend and convert vibrations into electrical signals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pinna

The outer, visible part of the ear that collects sound waves.

Ear Canal

A tube that directs sound waves towards the eardrum and amplifies certain frequencies.

Eardrum (Tympanic Membrane)

A thin membrane that vibrates when sound waves hit it, converting sound energy into mechanical energy.

Ossicles

Three tiny bones (malleus, incus, and stapes) in the middle ear that amplify and transmit vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

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Cochlea

A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear filled with fluid and lined with tiny hair cells. It converts vibrations into electrical signals interpreted by the brain.

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Study Notes

Outer Ear Structure and Function

The pinna collects and directs sound waves into the ear canal.
The ear canal funnels sound waves to the eardrum and enhances certain frequencies.
The eardrum vibrates in response to sound waves.
The eardrum transforms sound wave energy into mechanical energy.

Middle Ear Structure and Function

The middle ear contains three small bones called ossicles.
The malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup) are the ossicles.

Inner Ear Structure and Function

The cochlea is a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear.
Filled with fluid and lined with tiny hair cells.
Vibrations in the cochlear fluid cause hair cell movement.
Movement of the hair cells converts mechanical vibrations into electrical energy.
The auditory nerve carries these electrical signals to the brain for interpretation.