SOUND THEORY 2

Question 1

What is the human ear?

Answer 1

A transducer

Question 2

It converts _________ in the form of __________ , to __________ , in the form of ____________ , and finally converts this ________ to _________ in the form of ____________ .

Answer 2

It converts acoustic energy in the form of pressure fluctuations, to mechanical energy, in the form of movement of ear components, and finally converts this mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of nerve impulses to the brain.

Question 3

The outer ear has?

Answer 3

A Pinna and a Auditory Canal

Question 4

What is the Pinna?

Answer 4

The Pinna is the main component and directs sound energy through its ridges and grooves, into the ear canal

Question 5

What is the Auditory Canal?

Answer 5

The Auditory Canal is the canal that runs from the pinna to the eardrum (tympanic membrane). The resonant frequencies of the auditory canal influence the frequency response of the human ear.

Question 6

It is due to resonance that the ear is most sensitive between?

Answer 6

1 kHz - 4 kHz

Question 7

What is the middle ear?

Answer 7

The middle ear runs from the eardrum to the oval window and is air-filled

Question 8

What are the ossicles?

Answer 8

The ossicles are the three bones found in the middle ear, making the physical connection between the eardrum and the oval window

Question 9

The eardrum ______ in sympathy with _________, the ossicles _____ this energy, increasing its ______ to the inner ear.

Answer 9

The eardrum vibrates in sympathy with changing air pressure, the ossicles transfer this energy, increasing its intensity to the inner ear.

Question 10

Name the three ossicle bones.

Answer 10

Hammer (Malleus)
Anvil (Incus)
Stirrup (Stapes)

Question 11

What is the Eustachian Tube?

Answer 11

is the tube that runs between the middle ear and the throat

Question 12

What are the purposes that the Eustachian Tube opens and closes for?

Answer 12

The regulation of pressure between the middle ear and outside (atmospheric) pressure.
The drainage of mucus from middle ear infections

Question 13

What is the Cochlea?

Answer 13

The Cochlea is the main element of the inner ear. It is fluid-filled

Question 14

What are the purposes of the Cochlea?

Answer 14

Spectral analysis

Transduction: mechanical => electrical energy

Question 15

The Cochlea contains tunnels of fluid and houses?

Answer 15

Basilar membrane

Question 16

______ upon the Basilar membrane is the_______________ (housing hair cells).

Answer 16

Mounted upon the Basilar membrane is the Organ of Corti (housing hair cells).

Question 17

The ________ sense these ______/_____ and _______ the corresponding information to the ______.

Answer 17

The hair cells sense these waves/peaks and transmit the corresponding information to the brain.

Question 18

The three ________ in the inner ear are related to _______ and not ______ .

Answer 18

Semicircular Canals: The three semicircular canals in the inner ear are related to balance and not hearing.