Ear (key terms)

Question 1

Define Pinna

Answer 1

Acts as a funnel to channel sound waves down to external acoustic meatus to the tympanic membrane. Made up of articular cartilage- flexibility

Question 2

Define External Acoustic Meatus

Answer 2

Ear canal, 2 sections (horizontal/ vertical)

Question 3

Define Tympanic Membrane

Answer 3

Ear drum, Separates outer from inner ear

Question 4

Define Ceruminous Glands

Answer 4

Secrete ear wax, modified sebaceous glands- protects ear canal from damage

Question 5

Define Auditory Ossicles

Answer 5

3 types
Malleus,
Incus,
Stapes

Small bones, forming flexible chain- transmits vibrations across middle eat to inner, bones linked to synovial joints

Question 6

Define Tympanic Cavity

Answer 6

Lines with ciliated columnar epithelial moscosa- transmits vibrations from tympanic membrane across cavity to middle ear
Inside tympanic bulla

Question 7

Define Eustachian Tube

Answer 7

Connects nasopharynx to middle ear, equalises air pressure in middle ear- opening of tympanic cavity

Question 8

Define Bony and Membranous Labyrinth

Answer 8

Bony and membraneous structures intertwined, membraneous fits inside bony
Bony: ampulla, oval window and round- openings within
Membranous: filled with endolymph- sensory receptor cells- adapt to movement and vibrations

Question 9

Define Round Window

Answer 9

Between bony cochlea and centre of tympanic cavity

Question 10

Define Oval Window

Answer 10

Lies between bony vestibule and stapes

Question 11

Define Cochlea

Answer 11

Membranous cochlea- filled with endolymph, organ or corti- detects sounds
Base nerve branch of vestibulocochlear nerve

Question 12

Define Vestibule

Answer 12

Membranous vestibule- maintains balance, two sac-like, connects cochlea and semi-circular
Filled with endolymph- sensory cells- maintain balance whilst still

Utricle- feedback horizontal
Saccule- feedback vertical
Movement of endolymph generates feedback

Question 13

Define Semi-Circular Canals

Answer 13

3 interconnecting canals- each is connected to vestibule by ampulla Ampulla- filled jelly substance sensory Capula- Regulates balance in body, detects rotational head movements

Question 14

Define Endolymph

Answer 14

Converts sound and movement into nerve signals- brain process

Question 15

Define Vestibulocochlear Nerve

Answer 15

Cranial nerve, transmits sound and equilibrium information from inner to brain

Question 16

Define Organ of Corti

Answer 16

Inner ear organ, within cochlea and contributes to audition

Question 17

Define Ultricle

Answer 17

Membranous labyrinth, small oval chamber, helps maintain balance

Question 18

Define Saccule

Answer 18

Sensory in inner organ, detects tilting- within vestibule

Question 19

Define Capula

Answer 19

Gelatinous structure in inner ear, sense position of head- maintains balance