6 – The Auditory Pathway Flashcards
Name cranial nerve 8
Vestibulocochlear nerve
What are the anatomical structures of the ear surrounded by?
The Squamous part of the temporal bone
What does squamous mean?
Flat
What is the petrous part of the temporal bone?
It is the rough part of the temporal bone
What is the part of the skull where sound first enters the ear is called…?
The external auditory meatus (canal )
What is the anatomical term for canal>
Meatus
Where is the external auditory meatus (canal) located?
In the auditory canal
Where is the internal auditory meatus (canal) located?
In the petrous part of the temporal bone
What is the significance o the internal auditory canal?
It is the area where the auditory nerve enters the skill
Name the divisions of the ear
- External ear
- Middle ear
- Inner ear
What is the function of the external ear?
To receive sound waves
It is the first point of entry of sound waves
What is the function of the middle ear?
Sound waves are converted into mechanical waves here
What is the function of the inner ear?
Mechanical waves are converted into electrical impulses here
Where does the external ear start?
At the auricle
What is the function of the auricle?
It funnels sound waves into external auditory canal
Describe the lateral aspect of the external ear
The lateral 1/3rd is cartilaginous
Describe the medial aspect of the external ear
The medial 2/3rds is bony
Where are sound waves funnel to from the external auditory canal?
They are funnelled towards the tympanic membrane
What is the tympanic membrane known as?
The eardurm
Where does the tympanic membrane emit sound waved too?
The middle ear
Where does the middle ear begin?
From the tympanic membrane
Describe the middle ear
It is an air filled space in the petrous part of temporal bone
What does the middle ear communicate with?
Communicates with nasopharynx via Eustachian (auditory tube)
How does the middle ear communicate with the nasopharynx?
via Eustachian (auditory tube)