Questions and Answers
What does the term 'acous/o, audi/o' refer to?
What is the definition of 'aer/o'?
Which term refers to the ear?
What does 'cerumin/o' mean?
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What is the definition of 'salping/o'?
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What does 'tympan/o, myring/o' refer to?
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What does the suffix '-acusis' indicate?
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What is the 'external ear'?
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What is 'pinna'?
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What does 'otorrhea' refer to?
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What is the definition of 'tinnitus'?
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What does 'otitis media' mean?
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What does 'eustachian obstruction' imply?
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What is an 'acoustic neuroma'?
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Study Notes
Medical Terminology - Ear
- acous/o, audi/o: Relates to hearing.
- aer/o: Refers to air or gas.
- aur/i, ot/o: Pertains to the ear's anatomy.
- cerumin/o: Indicates earwax.
- salping/o: Connects to the eustachian tube or uterine tube.
- tympan/o, myring/o: Denotes the eardrum.
- -acusis (suffix): Indicates a hearing condition.
Ear Structure
- External Ear: Collects sound; includes outer ear structures.
- Pinna: The visible part of the external ear; also known as the auricle.
- External Auditory Meatus: Passageway carrying sound from the pinna to the eardrum.
- Cerumen: Waxy substance produced in the external ear canal.
- Middle Ear: Contains structures that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum.
Key Middle Ear Components
- Tympanic Membrane (TM): Amplifies sound; also known as the eardrum.
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Auditory Ossicles:
- Malleus: The first ossicle, shaped like a hammer.
- Incus: The second ossicle, shaped like an anvil.
- Stapes: The third ossicle, resembling a stirrup.
- Eustachian Tube: Connects the middle ear to the throat, aiding pressure equalization.
- Oval Window: Membrane-covered opening between the middle and inner ear.
Inner Ear Anatomy
- Inner Ear (Labyrinth): Fluid-filled passages crucial for hearing and balance.
- Cochlea: Coiled structure containing the organ of Corti, responsible for hearing.
- Perilymph: Fluid in the bony labyrinth.
- Endolymph: Fluid within the membranous labyrinth.
- Organ of Corti: Contains sensory receptors converting vibrations into nerve impulses.
- Vestibule: Central part of the inner ear; aids in balance and contains utricle and saccule.
- Utricle and Saccule: Sacs in the vestibule involved in balance.
Ear Conditions and Disorders
- Otaligia (Otodynia): Term for earache.
- Otorrhagia: Bleeding from the ear.
- Otorrhea: Purulent discharge from the ear.
- Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing sensation in the ear.
- Vertigo: Dizziness or a feeling of spinning.
- Otitis Externa: Inflammation of the external ear canal.
- Cerumen Impaction: Excess earwax causing hearing loss, common in elderly.
- Myringitis (Tympanitis): Inflammation of the eardrum.
- Otitis Media: Inflammation of the middle ear.
- Aerotitis Media: Middle ear inflammation due to pressure changes, common in air travel.
- Eustachian Obstruction: Blockage of the eustachian tube, often linked to infection.
- Otosclerosis: Hardening of the bony tissue in the ear.
- Acoustic Neuroma: Benign tumor on the auditory nerve causing hearing issues and dizziness.
- Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear.
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Description
Test your knowledge of medical terminology related to ear anatomy and functions. This quiz covers essential terms, structures of the ear, and their respective meanings. Perfect for students of medical terminology or anyone interested in understanding ear health.
