Ear structure and function A+P1

tensor tympani muscle

skeletal muscles that attach to the ossicles; pulls the tympanic membrane medially

malleuas

shaped like a hammer, set into motion by the tympanic membrane

vestibule

contains the oval window, converys information about tilting the head and linear movement

cochlea

spiral shaped portion of the bony labyrinth, energy from sound waves are transmitted into neural impulses

auricle/pinna

funnels sound waves into the ear, elastic cartilage covered in skin

pharyngotympanic tube

aka the auditory tube, equalized pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane, normally clsoed

incus

shaped like an avil, set into motion by malleus

oval window

boundary between the air filled middle ear and fluid inner ear, plays a part in the conversion of mechanical waves into the fluid movement

ampulla

bulb shaped structure that contains a cluster of hair cells that are embedded in a gelatinous mass called the cupula

external accoustic meatus

slightly curved canal tunneled through the temporal bone that ends at the tympanic membrane

round window

seperates the middle and inner ear, found in the cochlea

vestibulocochlear nerve

aurditory signals travel through it

stapes

shaped like a stirrup, set into motion by the incus

semi-circular canals

made up of the membranous labyrinth, detects angular or rotational movements

tympanic membrane

thin sheet of epithelium and connective tissue that is coned shaped, converts sound waves into mechanical waves

Ceruminous glands (no number on la exam to label)

secretes cerumen