The Ears

The Ear - is the anatomical organ that detects sound. Structures of the Ear:

• External


• Middle/ Tympanic cavity


• Inner/ Labryinth

External Ear:

- it is the outer projection

- has several shapes and sizes

- it includes the pinna (auricle), auditory canal (external auditory) and the ear drum (tympanic membrane)

Contains:

• Pinna ( auricle) - collects and directs sound waves


• Auditory canal (external auditory) - contains cerumen (earwax)


• Ear drum (tympanic membrane) - it is where it ends and middle ear begins.

Middle Ear:

- the space containing the smallest bones of the body

Contains:

• hammer (Malleus) - has a long process that is attached to the mobile portion of the ear drum.


• Anvil (Incus) - it is the bridge between the malleus and stapes.


• Stirrup (Stapes) - is the smallest named bone in the human body.

The Eustachian tubes - allows air pressure on either side of the ear drum to be equalized, and it is also within the middle ear.

Inner Ear:

- is encased in the hardest bone of the body.

Contains:

• Cochlea - bony spiral, snaily shell-shaped, and contains perilymph for transmitting sounds


• Vestibule - is the central part of the osseous labyrinth


• Semicircular canals - are three half-circular, interconnected tubes located inside each ear.