036 An Overview of the Mechanism of Hearing

Leslie Samuel explains the mechanism of hearing in this video. He introduces the anatomy of the ear, including the external ear, auditory canal, eardrum, ossicles, cochlea, and auditory nerve. The video details how sound waves cause vibrations that are transmitted through these structures, ultimately sending signals to the brain to interpret as sound. An animation is used to illustrate the process, and viewers are encouraged to ask questions and explore additional resources.

What is the function of the external auditory canal?

• To transmit sound waves to the brain

• To amplify sound waves

• To focus sound waves onto the eardrum

• To produce sound waves

Which of the following is NOT one of the three bony ossicles?

• Incus

• Cochlea

• Stapes

• Malleus

What structure in the ear resembles a snail and is crucial for hearing?

• Semicircular Canals

• Auditory Canal

• Cochlea

• Eardrum

How do sound waves reach the brain?

• By vibrating the pinna

• Through the tympanic membrane

• Via the auditory nerve

• Through the semicircular canals

What is another name for the eardrum?

• Cochlea

• Tympanic membrane

• Auditory canal

• Oval window

What happens when the oval window vibrates?

• The pinna vibrates

• The fluid in the cochlea vibrates

• The auditory nerve stops functioning

• The semicircular canals are activated

What role does the brain play in the hearing process?

• It interprets signals from the auditory nerve as sound

• It blocks unwanted noise

• It generates sound waves

• It amplifies sound waves