34.20 Hearing and Balance

34.20.2 Describe the basic anatomy (structure) of the ear.

The ear is divided into three main parts:

• the outer ear,

• the middle ear, and

• the inner ear.

The outer ear consists of the pinna and ear canal. Its function is to collect sound waves and direct them towards the eardrum.

The middle ear is separated from the outer ear by the eardrum. It contains three small bones, known as the ossicles:

• malleus,

• incus, and

• stapes.

These bones transmit and amplify vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

The inner ear contains the cochlea, which converts sound vibrations into electrical nerve signals that are sent to the brain and interpreted as sound.

The inner ear also contains the vestibular system, including the semicircular canals, which provides information about movement, balance and spatial orientation.

34.20.4 Describe the physiology (function) of the ear.

The ear allows us to hear sound by collecting sound waves and converting them into signals that the brain can interpret.

Outer ear
Collects sound waves and directs them along the ear canal to the eardrum.