The Journey of Sound Waves Through the Ear

The video explains how sound travels from a source, like a trumpet, through the ear to the brain. Sound waves enter the outer ear, travel through the ear canal, and vibrate the eardrum. This vibration is amplified by three tiny bones in the middle ear and sent to the cochlea. The cochlea, filled with fluid, converts these vibrations into electrical signals using hair cells. Different hair cells respond to different sound frequencies. These signals travel via the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as recognizable sounds.

What is the initial role of the outer ear in the process of hearing?

• To amplify sound waves

• To catch sound waves and direct them to the ear canal

• To interpret sound waves as recognizable sounds

• To convert sound waves into electrical signals

What happens when sound waves reach the eardrum?

• The eardrum vibrates and sends signals directly to the brain

• The eardrum absorbs the sound waves

• The eardrum converts sound waves into electrical signals

• The eardrum vibrates and causes three tiny bones to vibrate

Which part of the ear is responsible for amplifying sound vibrations?

• The malleus, incus, and stapes

• The outer ear

• The cochlea

• The eardrum

What is the function of the cochlea in the hearing process?

• To amplify sound vibrations

• To convert sound vibrations into electrical signals

• To catch sound waves

• To interpret sound signals as recognizable sounds

How do hair cells in the cochlea convert sound vibrations into electrical signals?

• By vibrating in response to sound waves

• By releasing chemicals that bind to auditory nerve cells

• By amplifying sound vibrations

• By directly sending signals to the brain

Which part of the cochlea detects higher pitched sounds?

• The apex of the cochlea

• The base of the cochlea

• The outer ear

• The middle of the cochlea

Where are the lowest pitched sounds detected in the cochlea?

• In the outer ear

• In the middle of the cochlea

• At the base of the cochlea

• At the apex of the cochlea

What role does the auditory nerve play in hearing?

• It interprets sound signals as recognizable sounds

• It carries electrical signals to the brain

• It converts sound waves into electrical signals

• It amplifies sound vibrations

How does the brain interpret the electrical signals it receives from the auditory nerve?

• As amplified sound waves

• As vibrations

• As chemical signals

• As recognizable sounds