Ear Functions

Pinna

visible part of the outer ear, **collects sound** and **directs** **it into the outer ear canal**

Incus (anvil)

a tiny bone that **passes vibrations** from the **malleus to the stapes**

Malleus (hammer)

a tiny bone that **passes vibrations** from the **eardrum to the incus**

Tympanic membrane (eardrum)

a thin **membrane** that **vibrates when sound waves reach it**

Stapes (stirrup)

a tiny U shaped bone that **passes vibrations** from the **stapes to the cochlea**

Semicircular canal

Three loops of fluid filled tubes that are attached to the cochlea. They help us to **maintain sense of balance**

Cochlea

a spiral shaped fluid filled tructure; lined with cilia that **move when vibrated** and **cause a nerve impulse to form**

Auditory nerve

transform the **vibrations into electrical impulses**

Round window

acts like a piston to **transfer the vibration** from the **oval window to the fluid in the inner ear**

Middle ear

**transfer** sound **vibrations** from your **eardrum to your inner ear**

Eustachian tube

tube that opens in the middle earleads to the pharynx. **Equalizes pressure** between the **outer and inner ear**

External auditory canal

**collects sound waves** and **channels them into the ear canal** (external auditory meatus), where the sound is **amplified**