Converts sound waves into vibrations that are transmitted to the hammer (malleus).
The oval window.
Transmits sound waves from the pinna to the tympanic membrane.
Malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup).
Amplifies and transmits vibrations to the membrane of the oval window.
Five parts: tympanic membrane, ossicles, oval window, round window, and the opening to the Eustachian tube.
Connects the middle ear to the pharynx and ensures pressure remains equal on both sides of the tympanic membrane.
Consists of cartilage covered with skin and protrudes on either side of the head.
Temporary deafness occurs, relieved by swallowing or yawning.
A small air-filled cavity in the temporal bone of the skull, lined with a mucous membrane.
Scala vestibuli, scala media (cochlear duct), and scala tympani.
They amplify vibrations and transmit them to the oval window.
Cristae (singular - crista).
The basilar membrane.
Membranous sacs filled with endolymph that are part of the inner ear.
It cannot function properly, leading to negative pressure in the middle ear cavity.
To contain maculae that respond to gravity and detect head position.
People with neural deafness where the inner ear is damaged.
Longitudinally into three canals: scala vestibuli, scala media, and scala tympani.
Transmits sound waves to the tympanic membrane (eardrum).
Sensitive hair cells embedded in a jelly-like cap called the cupula.
A decrease in atmospheric pressure affects middle ear pressure.
Otitis media.
Earache, fever, drainage of ear fluid, loss of hearing, nasal congestion, dizziness, and balance disturbances.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants.
A long coiled tube that resembles the shell of a snail.
A microphone, a speech processor, and a transmitter.
Through the cochlear nerve and then the auditory nerve to the cerebral cortex.
Air is drawn from the middle ear through the Eustachian tube.
They respond to gravity and exert pressure on hair cells based on head position.
Antibiotics (for bacterial infections), pain relief medications, decongestive nose drops, ear drops, and grommets.
An electronic device surgically implanted to enable hearing in people with serious or profound deafness.
A widened part known as the ampulla.
To detect mechanical stimuli (vibrations) and convert them into nerve impulses.
Issues in the mechanisms that transmit sound waves to the tympanic membrane or ossicles.
Endolymph.
An electronic device that amplifies sounds.
They are received by the pinna and directed into the external auditory opening.
It causes pressure waves in the perilymph of the scala vestibuli.
To contain cristae that detect changes in speed or head movement.
The position of the head in space with respect to gravity.
It forms part of the crista and moves with hair cells to trigger brain impulses.
Three canals in the shape of semicircles positioned at right angles to each other.
It vibrates and transmits vibrations to the ossicles in the middle ear.
They are mechanically stimulated by vibrations in the tectorial membrane.
The position of the head in space with respect to gravity.
The tympanic membrane, oval window, round window, and Eustachian tube opening.
The bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth.
To drain fluid from the middle ear cavity and allow air to enter.
It contains receptors for hearing and is filled with endolymph.
Waves in the endolymph of the scala media, causing the basilar membrane to vibrate.
A receiver and about 24 electrodes that send nerve impulses to the auditory nerve.
Conducts nerve impulses from the hair cells to the cerebral cortex and cerebellum.
To conduct nerve impulses to the cerebral cortex for hearing sensation and to the cerebellum for balance coordination.
A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, such as a cold or flu.
The endolymph continues to move, sending confusing signals to the brain.
Usually permanent.
A jelly-like layer with otoliths (calcium carbonate crystals).
It is the upper canal, forms part of the bony portion of the cochlea, and is filled with perilymph.
Conduct impulses from the cristae to the cerebellum for balance coordination.
Conductive deafness and neural deafness.
Changes in the speed or movement of the head.
Damage to the inner ear, including sensory hair cells, the auditory nerve, and the hearing center in the brain.
Accumulation of ear wax, age, long-term exposure to noise, hereditary factors, certain medications, infectious diseases, and head injuries.
They help detect changes in position and send impulses to the brain.
To assist with hearing by converting sound into electrical signals.
A specialized structure containing hearing receptors located on the basilar membrane.
It bulges due to higher pressure in the middle ear compared to outside.
Middle ear infection (otitis media).
Usually temporary.
Medical or surgical treatment.
Perilymph.
The utriculus and sacculus.
