Structure of Ear Flashcards
List the main structures of the ear
( Outer, Middle, Inner Ear, Hammer, Anvil and Stirrup, Semi-circular canals, auditory nerves, eustachian tube, oval window, pinna (Auricle), ear drum, cochlea )
How does the Outer ear relate to the stimulus response model?
The response of the outer ear to sound stimuli is an example of the stimulus-response model in action. The stimulus (sound waves) triggers a response in the form of the outer ear collecting and amplifying the sound waves and transmitting them to the eardrum for further processing. This response is automatic and occurs without conscious thought or decision-making.
How does the inner ear relate to the stimulus response model?
Sound waves and changes in head position and movement are the stimuli that are detected by the sensory cells in the cochlea and vestibular system, respectively. These stimuli are then converted into neural signals that are transmitted to the brain, where they are processed and interpreted.
How does the Middle ear relate to the stimulus response model?
The middle ear acts as a conduit for sound waves, which are the stimuli that trigger a response in the organism. The sound waves enter the ear canal and cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the three small bones in the middle ear - the malleus, incus, and stapes - which amplify the sound and transmit it to the cochlea in the inner ear.
How does the hammer relate to the stimulus response model?
The hammer is an important component in the detection and processing of auditory stimuli. When sound waves enter the ear canal and cause the eardrum to vibrate, the hammer also vibrates, transmitting these vibrations to the other bones in the middle ear. This mechanical movement results in the amplification and transmission of the sound waves to the inner ear, where they are processed by the auditory system.
How does the Anvil and Stirrup relate to the stimulus response model?
the anvil and stirrup play a crucial role in the detection and processing of auditory stimuli. When sound waves enter the ear canal and cause the eardrum to vibrate, the hammer also vibrates, which in turn causes the anvil and stirrup to vibrate as well. This mechanical movement amplifies and transmits the sound waves to the inner ear, where they are detected by the sensory cells in the cochlea and processed by the auditory system.
How do the Semi-circular cabals relate to the stimulus response model?
The semi-circular canals detect rotational movements of the head and are essential for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. When the head moves, the fluid in the semi-circular canals also moves, which stimulates the sensory cells located within them. These sensory cells then send signals to the brain, which processes the information and generates a response, such as adjusting posture to maintain balance.
How does the auditory nerves relate to the stimulus response model?
The auditory nerve serves as a link between the detection of auditory stimuli and the generation of a response. When sound waves are detected by the sensory cells in the cochlea, they are converted into electrical signals that travel along the auditory nerve to the brain. Once the brain receives this information, it processes it and generates a response, such as recognizing a familiar voice or responding to a loud noise.
How does the eustachian tube relate to the stimulus response model?
The Eustachian tube helps to maintain the auditory system’s sensitivity to sound waves by regulating the pressure in the middle ear. When air pressure outside the ear changes, such as during takeoff or landing on an airplane, the Eustachian tube opens and allows air to flow into or out of the middle ear. This equalizes the pressure on either side of the eardrum and prevents damage to the structures inside the ear.
How does the oval window relate to the stimulus response model?
The oval window acts as the interface between the mechanical vibrations of the middle ear and the fluid-filled cochlea of the inner ear. When sound waves enter the ear canal and hit the eardrum, they cause vibrations that are transmitted through the middle ear bones (the hammer, anvil, and stirrup) to the oval window. The oval window then moves in response to these vibrations, which creates a wave of fluid movement in the cochlea of the inner ear.
How does the pinna (Auricle) relate to the stimulus response model?
The pinna is the first part of the ear that interacts with the sound wave. Its complex shape and ridges help to capture and amplify certain frequencies of sound, while attenuating others. This means that the pinna acts as a natural filter, helping to enhance the specific frequencies that are important for speech and communication.
How does the ear drum relate to the stimulus response model?
The first stage is the stimulus, which is a sound wave that travels through the air. When the sound wave reaches the outer ear, it is funnelled into the ear canal and strikes the eardrum. The eardrum vibrates in response to the sound wave, which sets off a chain of events in the middle and inner ear that ultimately result in the perception of sound.
How does the Cochlea relate to the stimulus response model?
The cochlea is responsible for converting mechanical vibrations into neural signals that the brain can interpret as sound. This is accomplished through the precise arrangement of hair cells on the basilar membrane, which allows it to differentiate between different frequencies of sound.
