Chapter 4 | Parts Of The Ear

Question 1

What are the three (3) sections of the Ear?

Answer 1

1. Outer Ear
2. Middle Ear
3. Inner Ear

Question 2

The Outer Ear Includes?

Answer 2

1. Pinna (auricle)
   Acts as funnels to capture sound into Ear; location of sound
2. Ear Canal (auditory)
   Continues to direct sound inside the Ear; produces earwax

Question 3

The Middle Ear includes?

Answer 3

1. Ear Drum (tympanic membrane)
   Sound wave causes it to vibrate (same frequency as sound)
2. Ossicle Chain (3 bones, amplify sound and pass the vibrations to Inner Ear)
   -Malleus (Hammer)
   -Incus (Anvil)
   -Stapes (Stirrup)
3. Auditory Tube (eustachian)
   Equalizes air pressure in Ear, connected to nasal pathway

Question 4

The Inner Ear includes?

Answer 4

1. Cochlea (hearing organ, converts vibrations to electrical signals)
   - Vibrations transmitted through liquid
   - Movement causes specific hair cells to bend (convert signal)
2. Semicircular Canal
   - Allows us to walk/dance without falling over

Question 5

What do the Hair Cells in the Ear do?

Answer 5

They:

• Transform vibrations into electrical signals
• If they’re damaged (bent/broke) it can lead to hearing loss. They cannot regenerate