Last - Anatomy Of Middle Ear

Question 1

An ear ossicle (ear bone) commonly called the “hammer”. It is attached to the inside surface of the tympanic membrane. It articulates with the incus and transmits vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the incus.

Answer 1

Malleus

Question 2

An ossicle commonly called the “anvil”. It articulates with the malleus and stapes and transmits vibrations from the malleus to the stapes.

Answer 2

Incus

Question 3

An ossicle commonly called the “stirrup”. It articulates with the incus and the oval window and transmits vibrations from the incus to the oval window.

Answer 3

Stapes

Question 4

An opening between the middle and inner ear. The stapes attaches to the membrane over the oval window, and transfers the vibrations to the fluid in the inner ear. The membrane over it is 22 times smaller than the tympanic membrane. The size difference magnifies the vibrations and enables the hearing of low amplitude sounds.

Answer 4

Oval window

Question 5

An opening directly below the oval window. Covered by a secondary tympanic membrane. Bulges out into the middle ear to dissipate the pressure waves within the cochlea, after they have been detected by the inner ear.

Answer 5

Round window

Question 6

A tube connecting the middle ear and nasopharynx. It equalizes the air pressure in the middle ear with that of atmospheric pressure, enabling the tympanic membrane to vibrate freely.

Answer 6

Eustachian tube

Question 7

A small skeletal muscle which protects the oval window by dampening the vibration of the stapes in response to loud noises.

Answer 7

Stapedius

Question 8

A small skeletal muscle which limits movement of ossicles and increases tension of the tympanic membrane to prevent damage in response to loud, prolonged noises.

Answer 8

Tensor tympani