ear functions & definitions

compression

region in longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together

rare fraction

a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are farthest apart

crest

the highest part of a wave

trough

the lowest part of a wave

wavelength

distance from the crest of a wave to the nearest next crest

decibles (dB)

the unit in which sound intensity is measured

pitch

determined by a sounds frequency or rapidness

frequency

measured in vibrations per second

hz (hertz)

vibration per second

amplitude

amount of energy in a wave

pinna

collects sound and channels it to the auditory canal to be amplified

auditory canal

amplifies sound

eustachian tube

balances pressure in middle ear, drains fluid from middle ear

ossicles

pass vibrations from eardrum to the cochlea

tympanic membrane

vibrates when sound waves hit it

cochlea

converts auditory signals into neural impulses

sensory hair cells

acts as sensitive touch receptors

cochlear/auditory nerve

carries electrical signals from the cochlea to the brain

oval window

allows sound to go from middle to inner ear

vestibule apparatus

detects head positioning/stability

vestibular nerve

sends messages to brain for balance