Special Senses

Question 1

Function of the Pinna

Answer 1

Enhances sound vibrations and focuses them into the ear (funnels sound waves into the ear). For hearing

Question 2

Function of the auditory canal

Answer 2

Amplifies sound waves, funnels sound waves into ear, protects ear from entry of foreign objects (ear wax). For hearing

Question 3

Function of the tympanic membrane

Answer 3

Amplifies sound waves, vibrates when sound waves strike it, then passes vibration to the ossicles. For hearing

Question 4

Function of the ossicles

Answer 4

Pass vibration from the tympanic membrane to the oval window. Bones move (act as levers) amplify sound. For hearing

Question 5

Function of the Eustachian Tube

Answer 5

Equalizes differences in the air pressure between the inside of your head and outside. For ear pressure

Question 6

Function of the cochlea

Answer 6

Translates vibrations in fluid (from oval window) to nerve impulses to be sent to the brain. For hearing

Question 7

Function of the semi- circular canals

Answer 7

Contains mechanoreceptors to detect head and body rotation. For balance

Question 8

Function of the auditory canal

Answer 8

Relays auditory (hearing) information to temporal lobe of the brain. For hearing

Question 9

How do sound waves pass through the structures of the ear?

Answer 9

Pinna-> auditory canal-> tympanic membrane-> ossicles-> Eustachian tube-> cochlea-> auditory nerve.

Question 10

How does auditory information get from the cochlea to the brain?

Answer 10

Pressure waves in the fluid of the cochlea-> basilar membrane moves up and down-> sterocilia bend against the tectorial membrane-> hair called snaps w/ nerve fibres of auditory nerve-> nerve sends an impulse to the brain