Anatomy of Hearing

Front

Hearing

Back

The process by which sound waves are perceived by the ear and interpreted by the brain.

Front

Sound

Back

Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear.

Front

Pinna

Back

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

Front

Ear Canal

Back

A tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear, through which sound waves travel.

Front

Ear Drum

Back

The ear drum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin, cone-shaped membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear

Front

Ossicles

Back

The three small bones in the middle ear known as the hammer, anvil, and stirrup that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Front

Hammer

Back

Also known as the malleus, it is the first of the three ossicles in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations.

Front

Anvil

Back

Also known as the incus, it is the second of the three ossicles in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations.

Front

Stirrup

Back

Also known as the stapes, it is the third of the three ossicles in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations to the inner ear.

Front

Cochlea

Back

A spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear that plays a key role in the sense of hearing by converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses.