10.20 Hearing and Balance

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

The ear is composed of three parts:

• the outer ear,
• the middle ear, and
• the inner ear.

The outer ear consists of the pinna and the ear canal, which collect and direct sound waves to the eardrum.

The middle ear is separated from the outer ear by the eardrum and contains three small bones called the ossicles (the malleus, incus, and stapes) that transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.

The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.

The inner ear also contains the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

10.20.4 Describe the physiology (function) of the ear.

The ear is responsible for detecting sound waves, converting them into electrical signals, and transmitting those signals to the brain for interpretation.

The ear is composed of three parts:

• the outer ear,
• the middle ear, and
• the inner ear.

The outer ear collects sound waves and directs them to the middle ear, where they cause the eardrum to vibrate.

These vibrations are then transmitted to the inner ear, where they stimulate tiny hair cells that convert the vibrations into electrical signals.