Ear labeling Diagram | Quizlet

TERM

pinna or auricle

DEFINITION

the sound collecting flap on each side of the head

TERM

external auditory canal

DEFINITION

channel that leads from the pinna to the ear drum; lined with glands that secrete cerumen (ear wax) to lubricate, water proof and protect the ear canal

TERM

tympanic membrane

DEFINITION

The "ear drum"; it is a membrane that divides the outer and middle ear, it vibrates to transfer sound to the inner ear via the ossicles

TERM

malleus

DEFINITION

"the hammer"; the first ossicle (small bone) to receive sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane

TERM

incus

DEFINITION

"the anvil", the second ossicle to transfer sound waves from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear

TERM

stapes

DEFINITION

"the stirrup", the third ossicle which vibrates against the oval window and transfers sound into the inner ear

TERM

oval window

DEFINITION

membrane between the middle ear and the inner ear

TERM

eustachian tube

DEFINITION

canal leading from the middle ear to the pharynx which maintains air pressure in the middle ear so the tympanic membrane can vibrate

TERM

cochlea

DEFINITION

snail shell-shaped, spirally wound tube in the inner ear, contains hearing-sensitive receptor cells and the organ of corti

TERM

auditory nerve

DEFINITION

Cranial nerve VIII that carries impulses from the inner ear to the brain;

TERM

vestibule

DEFINITION

central cavity of the labyrinth connecting the semi-circular canals and the choclea; helps maintain equilibrium

TERM

semicircular canals

DEFINITION

fluid-filled passages in the inner ear on different planes that help maintain equilibrium