Lecture 6 - The Ear

Question 1

what are the sections of the external ear?

Answer 1

• auricle/pinna: elastic cartilage covered with skin
• external auditory meatus: lined with hairs and wax glands
• tympanic membrane (eardrum): soundwaves cause it to vibrate

Question 2

what are the sections of the middle ear?

Answer 2

• eustachian tube: connects to pharynx, equalizes air pressure on each side of eardrum
• ossicles: 3 small bones (malleus/incus/stapes) transmit vibrations from eardrum to oval window
• oval window: connection between middle and inner ear

Question 3

what are the sections of the inner ear?

Answer 3

• bony labyrinth: 3 spaces - cochlea (hearing), vestibule (balance), semi-circular canals (balance)
• membranous labyrinth: membranous tubes within bony labyrinth
• lymph: endolymph (in membranous tubes) and perilymph (in space between membrane and bony)