Hearing and the Human Ear

Question 1

Describe intensity with regards to sound

Answer 1

As intensity decreases, distance increases

Question 2

Name the three parts of the human ear

Answer 2

The outer ear
The middle ear
The inner ear

Question 3

What is the outer ear composed of

Answer 3

The pinna and ear cannal

Question 4

What is the function of the outer ear

Answer 4

To collect sound

Question 5

What separates the outer and middle ear

Answer 5

The ear drum

Question 6

What is the middle composed of

Answer 6

The ossicles (the three bones):
Malleus, Incus, and Stapes
The oval window (behind the Stapes)

Question 7

What are the three ear bones

Answer 7

Malleus (hammer)
Incus (anvil)
Stapes (Stirrup)

Question 8

What is the function of the middle ear

Answer 8

To transmit vibrations to the Cochlea

Question 9

What is the inner ear composed of

Answer 9

Cochlea
Cochlea/auditory nerve
Semi-circular canals
Eustachian tube

Question 10

What is the function of the inner ear

Answer 10

To transform the vibrations into electrical signals that travel along the

Question 11

What is the function of the inner ear

Answer 11

To transform the vibrations into electrical signals that travel along the cochlea/auditory nerve to the brain where it interprets these symbols.

Question 12

How does sound travel through the ear

Answer 12

The sound waves enter the outer ear and travel into the inner ear. These sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate. The three bones in the middle ear amplify these vibrations and send them to the inner ear. The vibrations hit the cochlea which is lined with sensory receptors. These receptors move and vibrate in response to the sound triggering the release of neurotransmitters. Electrical signals are sent via the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted.

Question 13

Function of the Pinna

Answer 13

Collects sound waves and channels them into the ear cannel

Question 14

Function of the Incus

Answer 14

One of the middle three small bones of the ear which transmits vibrations from the malleus to the stapes

Question 15

Function of the malleus

Answer 15

Transmits vibrations caused by sound waves from the eardrum membrane to the liquid of the inner ear.

Question 16

Ear drum function

Answer 16

Thin flap of skin that is stretched tight and vibrates from sounds. It separates the outer and inner ear.

Question 17

Stapes function

Answer 17

Conveys sound vibrations to the bones flat base.

Question 18

Semi circular canals

Answer 18

Helps keep human balanced

Question 19

Cochlea

Answer 19

Filled with fluid that moves in response to the vibrations from the oval window. As the fluid moves the nerves create electrical signals that travel along the auditory nerve to the brain.

Question 20

Cochlea nerve

Answer 20

Transmits electrical signals to brain

Question 21

Oval window

Answer 21

Transmits vibrations to the cochlea

Question 22

Eustachian Tube

Answer 22

Connects the middle ears to the back of throat. Helps drain fluid and equalize the air pressure inside your ears.