Ear Flashcards
What are the three main parts of the ear?
Outer ear, middle ear, inner ear.
What structures are found in the outer ear?
Auricle (pinna) and external auditory meatus.
What are the components of the middle ear?
Tympanic membrane, auditory ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes), middle ear cavity, and Eustachian tube.
What are the structures of the inner ear?
Cochlea, semicircular canals, vestibule, oval window, and round window.
What is the function of the tympanic membrane?
Converts sound waves into mechanical vibrations.
How does sound travel through the ossicles?
Sound waves cause the tympanic membrane to vibrate, moving the malleus, which moves the incus, which moves the stapes.
What is the role of the stapedius muscle?
Reduces excessive vibration of the stapes to protect the inner ear from loud sounds.
What is the Organ of Corti?
A structure in the cochlea that converts mechanical vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain.
What part of the ear is responsible for balance?
The vestibular system, including the semicircular canals and vestibule.
What is the function of the semicircular canals?
Detect head movements and help maintain balance.
What nerve passes through the internal auditory meatus?
The facial nerve (CN VII) and vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII).
What is the function of the chorda tympani?
Carries taste sensation from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue and parasympathetic fibers to salivary glands.
What is the function of the greater petrosal nerve?
Provides parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal gland and mucosal glands of the nose and palate.
What condition can result from facial nerve damage near the ear?
Facial paralysis, loss of taste in the anterior tongue, and dry mouth due to reduced salivation.
What is conductive hearing loss?
Hearing loss due to a problem in transmitting sound waves through the outer or middle ear.
What is sensorineural hearing loss?
Hearing loss due to damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve.
Why are children more prone to ear infections?
Their Eustachian tubes are more horizontal, making fluid drainage less efficient.
