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Ear Parts and Functions

+The EAR Primary Function is Hearing & Equilibrium Hair Cells: Mechanoreceptors

Divided into 3 regions1. Outer Ear2. Middle Ear3. Inner Ear

+Outer Ear

Pinna: Catches sound waves, provides directional sensitivity.

Ear Canal: sound waves are sent, buildup of ear wax called Cerumen

+Outer Ear Continued

Eardrum: also known as tympanic membrane; this vibrates when sound enters.

Separates the outer ear from the middle ear.

+Middle Ear

Auditory Ossicles – Connect eardrum with inner membrane.

Malleus (Hammer) vibrates

Then incus (anvil) is hit by the malleus vibrating the stapes (stirrup)

Oval window: membrane that leads the middle ear into the inner ear

+Inner Ear Vestibule – sensations

of gravity and linear acceleration

Semicircular Canals – stimulated by rotation of head

Cochlea – Sensation of Hearing

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