Core Terminology 7: Ear

Question 1

Mechanoreceptors

Answer 1

receptors in ear that detect sound stimuli and movement of the head

Question 2

Pinnae

Answer 2

part of outer ear; made up of cartilage; collects sound waves and directs it to the auditory canal

Question 3

Auditory canal

Answer 3

curved tube that transmits sound waves from the pinnae to the tympanic membrane

Question 4

Tympanic membrane

Answer 4

ear drum; thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear; converts sound waves to vibrations

Question 5

Ossicles

Answer 5

smallest bones in the middle ear; malleus+ incus+ stapes; amplify and transmit vibrations from middle ear to inner ear

Question 6

Oval window

Answer 6

membrane covering the opening between middle ear and inner ear; transmits vibrations from middle ear to inner ear

Question 7

Round window

Answer 7

membrane covering that absorbs pressure waves moving into perilymph

Question 8

Eustachian tube

Answer 8

tube that connects the middle ear to the throat; equalises pressure on either side of tympanic membrane

Question 9

perilymph

Answer 9

fluid surrounding the bony labyrinth in inner ear

Question 10

Endolymph

Answer 10

fluid inside the membranes

Question 11

Vestibular apparatus

Answer 11

part of inner ear made up of semi-circular canals + utriculus + sacculus

Question 12

Cochlea

Answer 12

coiled tube in inner ear; contains hearing receptors(organ of corti)

Question 13

Auditory nerve

Answer 13

conduct nerve impulses to brain

Question 14

Otis media

Answer 14

middle ear infection; resulting in accumulation of fluid in middle ear; characterised by ear ache and leads to impaired hearing

Question 15

Serumen

Answer 15

wax-like substance produced in auditory canal; protect ear against dust and foreign objects.

Question 16

Maculae

Answer 16

receptors found in the utriculus and sacculus that detect changes in position of head w.r.t gravity (balance)

Question 17

Cristae

Answer 17

receptors found in the ampulla that detect changes in the direction and speed of movement.