Anatomy: The Ear (Functions)

auricle (pinna)

collects sound waves

external acoustic meatus (auditory canal)

carries sound waves to eardrum; lined with earwax to provide a sticky trap for foreign bodies & repels inscets

tympanic membrane (eardrum)

vibrated by sound waves, which get transferred to tiny bones in the middle of the ear; separates external ear from middle ear

hammer (malleus)

moves with eardrum and transfers vibrations to the anvil

anvil (incus)

passes vibrations to the stirrup

stirrup (stapes)

presses on the oval window to transfer vibrations

oval window

transmits vibrations to the fluid in the cochlea

vestibule

responsible for static equilibrium

cochlea

converts vibrations into electrical impulses

semicircular canals

responsible for dynamic equilibrium

vestibular nerve

part of the vestibulocochlear nerve; responsible for balance and equilibrium

cochlear nerve

part of the vestibulocochlear nerve; responsible for hearing

auditory (pharyngotympanic) tube

equalizes pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane