Group 7: Auditory System & Sound

Sound waves

Wavelength, pitch, amplitude, loudness, timbre, purity

Pinna

Funnel-shaped external structure directing sound into the ear canal

Auditory canal

Channel carrying sound to the eardrum

Tympanic membrane

Eardrum, vibrates in response to sound

Ossicles

Three middle ear bones transmitting vibrations to inner ear (malleus/hammer, incus/anvil, stapes/stirrup)

Oval window

Membrane connecting middle and inner ear

Cochlea

Snail-shaped structure converting sound vibrations into neural signals

Basilar membrane

Tissue in cochlea with cilia that transduce auditory signals

Semicircular canals

Fluid-filled tubes involved in balance

Auditory nerve

Carries sound information to auditory cortex via thalamus

Vestibular nerve

Carries balance info to cerebellum via thalamus