Audition and Equilibrium: Understanding the Ear and Hearing

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to audition (hearing) and equilibrium in the inner ear, as well as the structure and function of the eye for vision.

Audition

The primary sense of hearing that interprets sound waves in the environment.

Tympanic Membrane

Also known as the eardrum; it vibrates when sound waves strike it, transmitting sound into the middle ear.

Ossicles

The three smallest bones in the body located in the middle ear, comprising the malleus, incus, and stapes.

Cochlea

The spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that processes sound and converts vibrations into nerve signals.

Frequency

The number of cycles of a sound wave per second, which determines its pitch.

Amplitude

The height of a sound wave, which is interpreted as volume (loudness).

Organ of Corti

The specialized organ within the cochlea that contains hair cells that transduce sound waves into neural signals.

Mechanically Gated Ion Channels

Ion channels that open in response to mechanical force, such as tension on stereocilia in hair cells.

Vestibule

The part of the inner ear responsible for balance and equilibrium, containing structures that respond to head position.

Otoliths

Small calcium crystals found in the otolithic membrane, which move to help detect head position.

Semicircular Canals

Fluid-filled structures in the inner ear that help detect rotational movement and maintain balance.

Oculomotor Nerve

Cranial nerve III primarily responsible for controlling most of the eye's movements.

Sclera

The white, opaque outer layer of the eye that provides structure and protection.

Cornea

The transparent front layer of the eye that allows light to enter.

Iris

The colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil and regulates light entry.

Retina

The innermost layer of the eye that contains photoreceptors to convert light into neural signals.

Photoreceptors

Specialized cells in the retina that detect light and create signals for vision.

Fovea

The central region of the retina with the highest visual acuity, allowing for sharp vision.