Review of Ear Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to ear anatomy and physiology.

Auricle

The external part of the ear that collects sound waves.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses.

Auditory ossicles

Three small bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, stapes) involved in transmitting sound vibrations.

Tympanic membrane

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

Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)

The cranial nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

Static equilibrium

The state of balance used to determine the body's position relative to gravity.

Dynamic equilibrium

The ability to maintain balance during movement, such as rotation or acceleration.

Endolymph

The fluid found in the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear.

Perilymph

The fluid located between the bony and membranous labyrinths of the inner ear.

Eustachian tube

Connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and helps equalize pressure.

Cochlear duct

The middle chamber of the cochlea that contains endolymph.

Otoliths

Small calcareous particles in the vestibule that help with balance and orientation.