auditory system

audiology

study of hearing disorders

cerumen

earwax (secrets by glands in the external ear canal)

cochlea

portion of the inner ear that is shaped like a snail shell; contains organ of Corti

organ of Corti

organ of hearing

eustachian tube

narrow tube between the middle ear and the throat that equalizes the pressure on both sides of the eardrum

incus (anvil)

middle of the three ossicles in the middle ear

labyrinth

inner ear; made of the vestibule, cochlea, and semicircular canals

malleus (hammer)

largest of the three ossicles

presbycusis

impairment of hearing that comes with aging

stapes (stirrup)

innermost of the ossicles in the middle ear

tinnitus

ringing or jingling sound in the ear

tympanectomy

surgical excision of the eardrum

utricle

saclike structure of the labyrinth of the inner ear

vertigo

sensation of instability and loss of equilibrium