MI Ear Terms Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the pinna?

To connect the middle ear with the nasopharynx

To transform vibrations into neural signals

To detect changes in gravity

To collect and direct sound waves (correct)

What is the auditory canal?

It moves sound from the pinna to the eardrum.

The Eustachian tube connects the outer ear to the inner ear.

False

What are the ossicles?

Three tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit sounds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the tympanic membrane?

It receives sound vibrations from the outer ear and transmits them to the auditory ossicles. Signup and view all the answers

What does the cochlea do?

Transforms vibrations into a neural signal. Signup and view all the answers

What do sensory hair cells detect?

Sound and head motion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cochlear nerve?

Transfers auditory information from the cochlea to the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What does the oval window do?

Transmits pressure waves of sound through the fluid of the cochlea. Signup and view all the answers

What is the vestibule responsible for?

Detecting changes in gravity and linear acceleration. Signup and view all the answers

What does the vestibular nerve do?

Brings information from the inner ear to the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What makes up the outer ear?

The part that collects and directs sound waves toward the tympanic membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is the middle ear?

Contains a chain of three ossicles that transmits vibrations to the inner ear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the inner ear comprised of?

The vestibule, semicircular canals, and cochlea. Signup and view all the answers

What is sound?

Mechanical energy transmitted by pressure waves in a medium. Signup and view all the answers

What is sensorineural hearing loss?

Hearing loss resulting from problems with the auditory nerves. Signup and view all the answers

What does an audiogram represent?

The relation of vibration frequency and minimum sound intensity for hearing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cochlear implant?

A device that enables recognition of some sounds for those with sensorineural hearing loss. Signup and view all the answers

What causes conductive hearing loss?

Problems transferring sound waves along the outer ear, tympanic membrane, or middle ear. Signup and view all the answers

What is frequency in the context of sound?

The number of sound waves that cross a point in a certain time. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the pitch of a sound?

How close together the sound waves are (frequency). Signup and view all the answers

How does sound travel through the ear?

Sound is collected in the outer ear, travels through the auditory canal, vibrates the tympanic membrane, and is then transmitted through the ossicles to the cochlea. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ear Anatomy and Functionality

Pinna: The outermost part of the ear that first responds to sound; functions as a funnel directing sound into the ear.
Auditory Canal: Transmits sound from the pinna to the eardrum.
Tympanic Membrane (Eardrum): Receives sound vibrations from the outer ear and transmits them to the ossicles.
Ossicles: Comprises three tiny bones (malleus, incus, stapes) in the middle ear that transfer sound vibrations to the cochlea.

Inner Ear Components

Cochlea: Converts vibrations from the cochlear liquid into neural signals for the brain.
Sensory Hair Cells: Detect sound and motion, initiating the hearing process and balance control.
Cochlear Nerve: Transmits auditory information from the cochlea to the brain for interpretation.
Oval Window: Membrane linking the middle ear and inner ear; transmits pressure waves through cochlear fluid.

Balance and Hearing Mechanisms

Vestibule: Senses changes in gravity and linear acceleration.
Vestibular Nerve: Communicates balance-related information from the inner ear to the brain.

Ear Structure and Sound Transmission

Outer Ear: Collects sound waves and directs them toward the tympanic membrane via the auditory canal.
Middle Ear: Contains the ossicles and transmits vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the oval window.
Inner Ear: Includes the vestibule, semicircular canals, and cochlea, responsible for hearing and equilibrium.

Sound Characteristics

Sound: Mechanical energy transmitted by longitudinal pressure waves in mediums like air or water.
Frequency: The number of sound waves crossing a point over a specified time—determines pitch.
Pitch: Related to the spacing of sound waves (frequency).

Hearing Loss Types

Conductive Hearing Loss: Occurs when there's an issue in sound wave transmission through the outer/middle ear structures.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Results from problems with the auditory nerves impacting sound processing.

Audiometric Tools and Solutions

Audiogram: Graph representing the relationship between vibration frequency and minimum sound intensity perceivable.
Cochlear Implant: A device enabling recognition of sounds for those with sensorineural hearing loss, converting sound waves into electrical signals; does not cure deafness.

Sound Travel Process

Sound is collected by the pinna and travels through the auditory canal to vibrate the tympanic membrane.
Vibrations from the tympanic membrane cause the ossicles to vibrate, leading to fluid movement in the cochlea.
Fluid movement in the cochlea stimulates sensory hair cells, sending signals via the cochlear nerve to the brain for sound interpretation.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key terms related to the anatomy of the ear. This quiz covers important components such as the pinna, auditory canal, and Eustachian tube. Ideal for students studying auditory system physiology.