Parts of the Ear

Front

What is the outer ear?

Back

The outer ear is the visible part of the ear that collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal.

Front

What is the function of the eardrum?

Back

The eardrum vibrates when sound waves hit it, converting sound energy into mechanical energy.

Front

What are the three small bones in the middle ear called?

Back

The three small bones are called the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus), and stirrup (stapes).

Front

What is the cochlea?

Back

The cochlea is a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain.

Front

What is the role of the inner ear?

Back

The inner ear is responsible for hearing and balance, containing the cochlea and the vestibular system.

Front

What is the function of the hearing nerve?

Back

The hearing nerve transmits electrical signals from the cochlea to the brain, allowing us to perceive sound.

Front

What is the pinna?

Back

The pinna is the outer part of the ear that helps to collect sound waves and funnel them into the ear canal.

Front

What is the anvil?

Back

The anvil (incus) is one of the three small bones in the middle ear that helps transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Front

What is the stirrup?

Back

The stirrup (stapes) is the smallest bone in the human body and is responsible for transmitting sound vibrations from the anvil to the cochlea.

Front

How does the ear help with balance?

Back

The inner ear contains structures called semicircular canals that help maintain balance by detecting changes in head position.