hearing/balance

What is the outer part of the ear called?

Auricle

What type of cartilage is the auricle made of?

Elastic cartilage

What is the function of the tympanic membrane?

It vibrates from sound waves to transmit sound to the middle ear.

What connects the middle ear to the pharynx?

Pharyngotympanic (Eustachian) tube

What is the role of the stapedius muscle?

It tenses the stapes to reduce sound transmission to the oval window.

What is the cochlea responsible for?

Converting sound vibrations into neural signals.

What fluid is found in the scala media of the cochlea?

Endolymph

What are maculae and where are they located?

Sensory structures in the vestibule that detect linear acceleration.

What is the primary function of the vestibular system?

To maintain balance and spatial orientation.

What condition is characterized by inflammation of the outer ear canal?

Otitis externa (swimmer's ear)

What causes otitis media?

Blockage of the Eustachian tube leading to fluid accumulation and infection.

What is conductive hearing loss?

Hearing loss due to problems in the outer or middle ear affecting sound transmission.

What can cause sensorineural hearing loss?

Damage to the cochlea's hair cells or the auditory nerve.

What is the role of the semicircular canals?

To detect rotational movements of the head.

What is the function of the ampulla in the semicircular canals?

It contains sensory cells that respond to rotational movement.

What is the significance of the round window?

It allows for the dissipation of pressure waves in the cochlea.

What is the function of the stria vascularis?

It secretes endolymph in the cochlea.

What is the role of hair cells in hearing?

They convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals for the brain.

What is the condition where the Eustachian tube is blocked leading to fluid buildup in the middle ear?

Otitis media

What is the typical age range for children to experience otitis media?

1-2 years old

What is the management for recurrent otitis media?

Antibiotics or ear tubes may be recommended.

What is the primary function of the auditory ossicles?

To amplify sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the oval window.