Ear Flashcards
Attenuation
Attenuation is a general term that refers to any reduction in the strength of the signal.
Eardrum
The thin membrane at the end of the outer ear
Eustachian tube
The narrow tube that connects the middle ear to the throat
Auricle
the visible part of the ear, located on the outside of the head
Anvil
one of the middle ear bones, located between the hammer and stirrup
Cochlea
The cochlea is the sense organ that translates sound into nerve impulses to be sent to the brain. Fluid filled snail shape.
Cochlear duct(scala media)
The cochlear duct (or scala media) is an endolymph filled cavity inside the cochlea. Houses organ of corti.
Organ of corti
a structure in the cochlea of the inner ear that produces nerve impulses in response to sound vibrations.
Labyrinth
maze-like series of canals of the inner ear. This includes the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals.
Pinna
visible part of the outer ear; localizes sounds; discriminates sound that is coming from behind us versus in front of us, asymmetrical;
Oval window
membrane between the middle ear and the inner ear.
Semicircular canals
passages in the inner ear associated with maintaining equilibrium.
Stapes
–transmits sound from the incus to the cochlea,( transmitting vibrations to fluid in the inner ear)
Ampulla
Holds the hair cells
Round window
vibrates with opposite phase to vibrations entering the inner ear through the oval window. It allows fluid in the cochlea to move, which in turn ensures that hair cells of the basilar membrane will be stimulated and that audition will occur.
Utricle
respond to changes in the position of the head with respect to gravity (linear acceleration).
Saccule
The sensory hair cells of the utricle and saccule provide information to the brain about head position when it is not moving
Macula
It is the part of the retina that is responsible for sharp, detailed central vision (also called visual acuity).
Perilymph
Perilymph (also known as Cotunnius’ liquid, and liquor cotunnii) is an extracellular fluid located within the cochlea (part of the inner ear) in two of its three compartments
Otoliths
The saccule and utricle, in turn, together make the otolith organs. They are sensitive to gravity and linear acceleration.
Incus
receives vibrations from the malleus, to which it is connected laterally, and transmits these to the stapes, medially.
External auditory canal
SOUND WAVES ARE FUNNELED INTO THE CANAL AND AMPLIFIED; NATURAL ACIDITY HELPS TO PROTECT AGAINST INFECTIONS; SECRETES CERUMEN (EAR WAX) TO PROTECT CANAL FROM DRYING OUT; REPELS INSECTS.
Basilar membrane
supports the organ of Corti in the ear and aids in translating sound vibrations into electrical signals.
Vestibuli membrane
it creates a compartment in the cochlea filled with endolymph, which is important for the function of the organ of Corti.
Malleous
The malleus receives vibrations from the tympanic membrane and transmits this to the incus.
Waxy layer
Keeps ear moist, keeps bugs out
Hairs
Protection, keeps bugs out and feeling.
Endolymph
the fluid in the membranous labyrinth of the ear.
