Physiology of Hearing and Balance Flashcards
What is the general function of the external ear
Collect sound
What is the general function of the middle ear
Mechanical force amplifier
What is the general function of the inner ear
Sound transducer / analyser
What is sound
A pressure wave caused by oscillating molecules set in motion by a vibration
What does frequency dictate
Pitch
What does amplitude dictate
Intensity
What frequency can humans perceive
20-20000Hz
Why do mammals under water not need an external ear
Sound is different in water and does not need to be channeled like us
What is the overall pressure gain in the middle ear
x22
What is the function of the angular ligament
It suspends the stapes in the oval window
What happens if there is a very high frequency sound
There is rotation between the malleus and incus
How do we get a pressure gain in the middle ear
We need to transfer sound from air to liquid
To generate the power to do this, we require movement from the ossicles
What does the ossicular chain act as
Pistor or lever arm with varying efficiency depending on frequency of sound transmitted
What is the function of the Eustachian tube
Ventilation pathway for the middle ear mucosa
What is the eustachian tube made up of
Bony and cartilaginous portions
What is the resting state of the cartilaginous tube? Open or closed
Closed
What opens the Eustachian tube
Tensor veli palatini and levator palatine muscles
When might the Eustachian tube not open and close as it should?
Babies with cleft palates
Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube leads to what
Middle ear negative pressure
What do the oval and round windows in the cochlea allow
The transmission of pressure wave in enclosed canal and vibration of the basilar membrane
Where is the endolymph found
Scala media
Where is perilymph found
Scala vestibuli