Ear, Hearing and Equilibrium 5/7 Flashcards
Auricle (pinna)
Collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal.
Helix
helps direct sound into the ear canal.
Lobule
helps with the overall shape and positioning of the ear
External acoustic meatus
The passageway that directs sound waves from the outside into the eardrum
Tympanic membrane
Vibrates in response to sound waves, converting sound into mechanical vibrations.
Malleus (hammer)
It connects to the tympanic membrane and transmits vibrations to the next bone (incus).
Incus (anvil)
transmits vibrations from the malleus to the stapes.
Stapes (stirrup)
It transmits vibrations from the incus to the oval window of the inner ear.
Oval window
receives vibrations from the stapes, setting the fluid inside the cochlea into motion.
Round window
It acts as a pressure release valve for the fluid waves created in the cochlea by sound vibrations.
Pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube
It helps equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum, especially when there are changes in altitude
Cochlea
Converts sound vibrations into electrical signals.
Vestibule
Detect changes in head position and movement for balance.
Utricle
detects horizontal movements and helps with balance.
Saccule
detects vertical movements and also helps with balance.
Semicircular canals
help detect rotational movements and maintain balance.
Cochlear nerve
carries electrical signals from the cochlea to the brain, allowing us to perceive sound.
Vestibular nerve
The nerve that transmits balance information from the inner ear to the brain.
Vestibulocochlear nerve
carries both sound and balance signals to the brain.
Temporal lobe
part of the brain that processes auditory information, enabling you to understand and interpret sounds.
