Ear-Nose-Throat Anatomy and Biology Review

This set of flashcards covers key anatomical structures and functions related to the ear, nose, throat, and their physiological roles.

Pinna (auricle)

The visible part of the ear.

Ossicles

The three small bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, stapes) that transmit sound vibrations.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear responsible for converting sound waves into nerve impulses.

Auditory (Eustachian) tube

A canal that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and helps equalize pressure.

Nasal mucosa

The tissue lining the nasal cavity that humidifies, warms, and filters inhaled air.

Otolith organs

Structures in the inner ear (utricle and saccule) that detect linear acceleration and gravitational forces.

Vestibular system

Part of the inner ear responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Pharynx

A muscular tube that serves as a passageway for air and food, extending from the nasal cavity to the larynx.

Throat (Pharynx)

The portion of the digestive and respiratory tract that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus.

Epiglottis

A flap of cartilage in the larynx that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Basilar membrane

A membrane in the cochlea that vibrates in response to sound waves, stimulating hair cells for hearing.

Mucociliary clearance

The process by which mucus traps inhaled particles and is moved by cilia towards the pharynx.

Vocal folds

Tissue bands in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound when air is pushed through them.

Sinuses

Air-filled cavities within the bones of the skull that lighten the skull and contribute to voice resonance.

Cartilage

Flexible connective tissue that provides support and shape to structures such as the ear and larynx.

Trachea

Also known as the windpipe, it is the airway that connects the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs.