7: Auditory System Flashcards

1
Q

What is Sound Composed of?

A
  • Acoustic waves
  • It’s the vibration of air molecules at a high frequency (waves/ sec)
  • Concentric waves = compression & rarefraction
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2
Q

What’s the Function of the Eustachian Tube?

A
  • Throat to middle ear passage
  • For pressure equalization b/w outer & middle ear
  • -Pressure = +/- pain/ difficulty w altitude
  • Yawn/ swallowing = opens tube & relieves pressure
  • Bulging in/ out of tympanic memb = pain/ pressure
  • -Eustachian tube helps this!
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3
Q

Explain the Attenuation Reflex Muscles.

A

Two Small Muscles: Tensor Tympani & Stapedius

  • When they contract, they break vibration of ossicles
  • -Reduces sensed vibration in ear
  • -Contract when you talk! This way your voice isn’t too loud for you
  • –Is a reflex loop
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4
Q

How is Pressure Amplified in the Middle Ear?

A

Through 2 Mechanisms:

  1. The oval window is much smaller than the tympanic membrane, so equal force is funnelled to a smaller area, increasing pressure!
    - Need higher pressure @ oval window to push fluid
  2. The stapes displaces the oval window w about 1/10 displacement of the tympanic membrane, but much greater force!
    - The ossicles are a lever system
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