MGSLG. (2020). Module 4 Unit 1
The structure and functions of the human ear
|
Biological term |
Description |
|
Auditory Canal |
The open passage through which sound waves travel to the middle ear. |
|
Auditory Nerve |
Bundle of nerve cells that carry signals from the sensory fibres to the brain. |
|
Cochlea |
Coiled, fluid-filled structure of the inner ear that contains hair cells called cilia. Cilia sway in response to sound waves, transmitting signals toward the brain. |
|
Eardrum |
A taut, circular piece of skin that vibrates when hit by sound waves. |
|
Eustachian Tube |
The passageway that connects the ear to the back of the nose to maintain equal air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. |
|
Mechanoreceptors |
The Organs of Corti are receptors located in the cochlea of the ear, which are stimulated by sound waves and convert the sound waves into impulses. |
|
Ossicles |
Three little bones called the hammer, anvil and stirrup located in the middle ear and that function to amplify sound. |
|
Otis media |
Inflammation and infection of the middle ear which causes pressure on the eardrum. |
|
Pinna |
The outer portion of the external ear: sound travels through the outer ear to the ear canal. |
|
Semi-circular Canals |
Fluid-filled structures in the inner ear that detect movement and function as balance organs. |
The Human
Ear:
The
ears are the sense organs for hearing.
Mechanoreceptors in the ear are
stimulated by sound waves, which are converted to impulses. The impulses are
transmitted via sensory neurons to the auditory centre in the cerebral cortex of the brain where they
are interpreted. The ears are also the organs for balance and equilibrium. These impulses are transmitted via sensory
neurons to the cerebellum where they
are interpreted to ensure balance and equilibrium.
