Parts of the Ear (Anatomy)

Malleus (Hammer)

one of the 3 small bones in the middle ear which increase or decrease vibrations from the ear drum

Incus (anvil)

one of the 3 small bones in the middle ear which increase or decrease vibrations from the ear drum

Stapes (Stirrup)

one of the 3 small bones in the middle ear which increase or decrease vibrations from the ear drum

Semicircular Canals

This is reponsible for keeping you upright, maintaining balance

Vestibulocochlear Nerve

This is how the brain gets electrical messages from the the inner ear to the brain

Cochlea

snail-shaped chamber within the inner ear, changes the vibrations from the bones into electrical signals

Pharyngotympanic Tube

A narrow tube between the middle ear and the nose that serves to equalize pressure on both sides of the eardrum

Tympanic Membrane (ear drum)

a small, thin membrane that vibrates when sound waves hit it

Pinna

this directs outside sounds to the ear canal

External acoustic meatus

a pathway that takes vibrations to the ear drum

Oval window

Opening into the inner ear, stapes articulates with it

Round Window

- flexible membrane that allows fluid within cochlea to vibrate

Tympanic Cavity

Narrow air-filled chamber hanging out in petrous portion of temporal bone (really hard section of temporal bone)

Ossicles

3 small bones located in the middle ear

Ceruminous Glands

glands that create cerumen (Ear wax)

Vestibule

The central part of the osseous labyrinth, and is situated medial to the tympanic cavity, behind the cochlea, and in front of the semicircular canals.

Osseous Labyrinth

Set of 3 parts in the ear (Cochlea,Vestibule, Semicircular Canals)

Perilymph

the bodily fluid that fills the space between the bony labyrinth of the inner ear

Endolymph

Thick gel like fluid found inside of the membranous labyrinth

Membranous Labyrinth

Located within the bony labyrinth, also divided into three parts: semicircular ducts and two saclike structures - the saccule and the utricle.

Vestibular Apparatus

This is what the semicircular canals and the vestibule are called together

Static Equilibrium

Position of the head based upon gravity when there is no movement(Vestibule)

Dynamic equilibrium

The ability of the individual to adjust to displacements of the center of gravity of the body. Maintaining balance while moving (Semicircular Canals)

Saccule

smaller of two sacs within the membranous labyrinth of the vestibule in the inner ear ( small bag)

Utricle

larger of two sacs within the membranous labyrinth of the vestibule in the inner ear

Macula

Houses the receptors for static equilibrium

Otoliths

these "stones" are crystals in the ear which move around when you nod your head or when twisting it side to side

Otolithic Membrane

Endolymph like fluid that is beneath the otoliths

Hair Tufts

Hairs that help determine balance

Hair cell

Send signals to the cerebellum via the vestibular nerve

Ampulla

enlargement at the base of each semicircular canals. at the base is where the receptors are found

Crista Ampullaris

The part inside the Ampullar that helps tell balance when moving

Cupula

The membrane that surrounds the hair in side the crista ampullaris

Vestibular Nerve Fibers

Sends signals to the cerebellum to report the position of your head