Anatomy of the Ear and Equilibrium

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the anatomy of the ear and the mechanisms of balance and hearing.

Malleus

The first bone in the chain of the ossicles, connected to the tympanic membrane.

Incus

The second bone in the chain of the ossicles, also known as the anvil, which connects the malleus to the stapes.

Stapes

The third bone in the chain of the ossicles; it connects to the oval window of the cochlea.

Eustachian Tube

A tube that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, allowing for pressure equalization.

Ossicles

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

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals.

Vestibule

The part of the inner ear involved in balance and equilibrium.

Equilibrium

The state of balance maintained by the inner ear; includes both static and dynamic equilibrium.

Static Equilibrium

The ability to sense the position of the head when it is still, detected by otoliths.

Dynamic Equilibrium

The ability to sense the position of the head during movement, detected by the semicircular canals.

Otoliths

Calcium carbonate crystals in the vestibule that help detect gravity and tilt.

Semicircular Canals

Three fluid-filled structures in the inner ear that help maintain balance during dynamic movement.

Hair Cells

Sensory cells in the cochlea and vestibule that respond to mechanical movement.

Perilymph

The fluid that fills the space between the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth in the inner ear.

Endolymph

The fluid within the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear, involved in the sensation of hearing and balance.

Tympanic Membrane

Also known as the eardrum, it vibrates in response to sound waves.

Ligaments

Structures that connect bones and stabilize the positions of the ossicles in the ear.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve

The cranial nerve that carries signals from the inner ear to the brain, involved in hearing and balance.

Oval Window

The membrane-covered opening that the stapes presses against to transmit sound vibrations to the cochlea.

Round Window

A membrane-covered opening in the cochlea that allows fluid to move, preventing pressure buildup.