Human Ear Anatomy Quiz

Outer ear

• The outer ear is composed of the pinna (auricle) and the auditory canal.
• The pinna is a flap of skin and cartilage that collects sound from the environment.
• The auditory canal leads to the eardrum.
• The auditory process begins in the outer ear as the canal funnels sound towards the eardrum.
• Hairs and earwax act as a defense mechanism by preventing dust, bugs, and bacteria from entering the ear.

Middle ear

• The middle ear is an air-filled chamber.
• The tympanum (eardrum) is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear.
• The tympanum converts sound waves into mechanical vibrations, which are passed to the ossicles (bones).
• The three ossicles are the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). The ossicles amplify the sound vibrations.
• The stapes transmits vibrations to the oval window, a thin membrane.

Eustachian tube

• The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat.
• The Eustachian tube allows pressure to equalize between the middle ear and the outside environment.
• At high altitudes or when pressure changes, the Eustachian tube allows air from the throat to enter the middle ear, leading to an ear "pop."

Inner ear

• The inner ear is fluid-filled.
• The inner ear is comprised of the semi-circular canals (sensors for balance) and the cochlea (hearing).
• The cochlea is responsible for converting the mechanical energy of sound waves into electrical impulses that are transmitted to the brain.

Cochlea

• The cochlea is a hard, snail-shaped structure.
• Inside the cochlea is the cochlear duct, which houses the Organ of Corti.
• The Organ of Corti is sensitive to sound waves.

Organ of Corti

• The Organ of Corti contains hair cells (sensory mechanoreceptors).
• The hair cells detect sound vibrations and convert them into nerve impulses.
• Hair cells have thin projections called stereocilia.
• The hair cells are supported by the basilar membrane and their stereocilia are embedded in the tectorial membrane.

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the outer and middle ear! This quiz covers key components like the pinna, tympanum, and ossicles, as well as their functions in the auditory process. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand the structure of the ear.