F2: Mechanoreception: sense of sound and balance

parts of the ear

Pinna

Directs sound waves to auditory canal

Auditory Canal

Conducts sound waves towards the eardrum

Tympanum

Eardrum/Tympanic membrane

• Vibrates and is connected to ossicles

Ossicles

• 3 tiny bones that amplify vibrations and can also prevent vibrations during loud noises.

Oval Window

Membrane of the cochlea where sound waves enter

Cochlea

• Organ/structure responsible for turning mechanical energy (sound waves) into electricsl impulses.

Organ of Corti

• Structure inside the cochlea directly responsible for converting sound waves into electrical impluses. (The basilar membrane is apart of it.)

Auditory Nerve

conducts action potentials from the cochlea to the temperal lobes

Oval Window

Releases pressure from the cochlea (the “exit” window/membrane)

Semi-Circular Canals

Responsible for rotational movements

Eustachian tube

Equilizes air pressure between the middle ear and the pharynx (throat)

Vestibule

Contains the utricle and saccule which are responsible for detecting body position.