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Ear Anatomy
For BIO 201 Lab
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Auricle | The visible portion of the ear that is outside of the head; directs sound waves to enter the ear |
External Auditory Canal | Canal that extends from the auricle to the tympanic membrane, directing sound waves to the tympanic membrane |
Tympanic Membrane | "Eardrum"; thin membrane that vibrates when sound hit it, transmitting vibrations from the external ear to the ear ossicles |
Malleus | "Hammer"; one of the ear ossicles, it receives vibrations from the tympanic membrane and transmits it to the incus |
Incus | "Anvil"; one of the ear ossicles, it receives vibrations from the malleus and transmits it to the stapes |
Stapes | "Stirrup"; one of the ear ossicles, it receives vibrations from the incus and transmits it to the inner ear |
Eustachian Tube | Tube in the middle ear that connects it to the nasopharynx; manages pressure differences between the atmosphere and the body |
Tensor Tympani Muscle | Muscle in the middle ear connected to the malleus that dampens sounds like chewing |
Vestibule | "Entrance Hall"; situated medial to eardrum with the cochlea behind it and the semicircular canals in front of it |
Cochlea | "Snail"; contains fluid with many small hair cells that are stimulated by vibrations and send electrical impulses to the brain |
Semicircular Canals | Three canals connected by the vestibule that help maintain balance |
Vestibulocochlear Nerve | Cranial Nerve 8; transmits sound and balance information from the inner ear to the brain |