3. Auditory System Flashcards
external ear:
function and components
- fxn: collect and transmit sounds
- components
- auricle: outer ear; shape to collect sound
- external auditory meatus: transmitting sound
- tympanic membrane: transform sound wave to mechanical vibration
middle ear:
fxn and components
- fxn: transmit and amplify sound signal
- components:
- malleus, incus, stapes
- middle ear cavity
- oval window
- round window
inner ear:
function and components
- fxn: transforms sound to electric signals
- components:
- scala vestibuli
- scala tympani
- cochlea duct or scala media
which 2 small mucles are important in protecting the ear?
- Tensor tympani muscle: innervated by trigeminal nerve (CN V)
- Stapedius muscle: connected to stapes; inn. by facial nerve
malleus, incus, and stapes correspond with which shapes?
- malleus = hammer
- incus = anvil
- stapes = stirrups
which inner ear structure contains perilymph?
contents of perilymph?
- scala vestibuli
- low potassium, high sodium (similar to ECF)
which inner ear structure contains endolymph?
contents of endolymph?
- cochlear duct/ or scala media
- high potassium, low sodium
where is the helicotrema found?
at the apex of the cochlea (curling structure)
which type of hair cells receive the majority of spiral ganglion innervation?
- 90% of spiral ganglion innervate Inner hair cell; as many as 20 spiral ganglion per 1 inner hair cell
- whereas only 10% of spiral ganglion innervate the 3 outer hair cells; 1 spiral ganglion can cover 12 outer hair cells
what supports hair cells? what is the function?
hair cells are supported by phalangeal (supportive) cells –>
which act to “stiffen” the superior surface of the organ of corti
where are the 1st order neurons in audition?
cell bodies in the modiolus (spiral ganglion neurons);
cell body is in the cochlea –> sends the process to the hair cells
process of inhibition of hair cells
- stereocilia is deflected AWAY from longer stereocilia
- hair membrane depolarizes
- afferent nerve fibers are not stimulated
mechanism for excitation of hair cells?
- stereocilia deflected TOWARDS the longer stereocilia
- results in influx of K+ ions
- hair cell membrane depolarizes
- influx of calcium ions
- then NTs are released –>
- afferent nerve fibers are stimulated (excitation)
where is there tonotopic localization?
in organ of corti
which type of frequency sounds are found at the helicotrema?
lower frequency tones
which type of frequency sounds are found at the base/ closer to middle ear?
high frequency sounds
what movement causes the difference in sound frequencies?
how?
the basilar membrane oscillation allows for diff’t frequencies;
- the base (closer to middle ear) is more stiff/narrow, so higher frequency oscillations will occur here
- whereas the apex/helicotrema is floppy/wide/elastic –> lower frequency stimulation/tone
path of axons from hair cells?
- hair cell axons that are excited –>
- travel from spiral ganglion –>
- via cranial nerve 8 (vestibulocochlear) –>
- to cochlear nucleu –>across midline to
- superior olivary nucleus –> ascends to inferior colliculus –>
- via brachium of inf. colliculus –> medial geniculate nucleus —>
- via auditory radiation –>
- to transverse temporal gyrus of heschi
- into the medulla
where are the cochlear nuclei found?
cochlear division (CN VIII)
the dorsal & ventral cochlear nuclei are found in the medulla