Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

15. The Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

Anatomy & Physiology

15. The Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

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2:23 minutes

Problem 25

Textbook Question

Which of the following is not a possible cause of conduction deafness?
a. Impacted cerumen
b. Middle ear infection
c. Cochlear nerve degeneration
d. Otosclerosis

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of conduction deafness. Conduction deafness occurs when sound waves are unable to pass through the external or middle ear to reach the inner ear. This is typically caused by physical obstructions or damage to the structures involved in sound conduction.

Step 2: Analyze each option provided in the question. Determine whether each option could interfere with the conduction of sound waves through the external or middle ear.

Step 3: Evaluate option (a) impacted cerumen. Cerumen (earwax) buildup can block the external auditory canal, preventing sound waves from reaching the eardrum, which is a possible cause of conduction deafness.

Step 4: Evaluate option (b) middle ear infection. Infections in the middle ear can cause inflammation or fluid buildup, which can interfere with the movement of the ossicles (tiny bones in the middle ear), making it a possible cause of conduction deafness.

Step 5: Evaluate option (c) cochlear nerve degeneration. The cochlear nerve is part of the inner ear and is responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain. Degeneration of this nerve would result in sensorineural deafness, not conduction deafness, as it does not affect the physical conduction of sound waves through the external or middle ear.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Conduction Deafness

Conduction deafness occurs when sound waves are not effectively transmitted through the outer ear, tympanic membrane, or middle ear. This type of hearing loss can result from various physical obstructions or damage, such as impacted earwax, fluid in the middle ear, or abnormalities in the ear structures.

Cochlear Nerve Degeneration

Cochlear nerve degeneration refers to the deterioration of the auditory nerve, which transmits sound signals from the cochlea to the brain. This condition is associated with sensorineural hearing loss rather than conduction deafness, as it affects the inner ear's ability to process sound rather than the transmission of sound through the outer or middle ear.

Common Causes of Conduction Deafness

Common causes of conduction deafness include impacted cerumen (earwax), middle ear infections (otitis media), and otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the middle ear). These conditions obstruct or disrupt the normal pathway of sound transmission, leading to hearing difficulties, while cochlear nerve degeneration is not a cause of conduction deafness.

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If severe congestion from a cold prevented your pharyngotympanic tube from opening, what could happen to your tympanic membrane? Explain your answer.

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Suppose the round window in your middle ear became very stiff. What effect would this have on hearing, and why?

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Textbook Question

Olfactory nerve filaments are found

a. In the optic bulbs

b. Passing through the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone

c. In the optic tracts

d. In the olfactory cortex

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Where are the olfactory sensory neurons, and why is that site poorly suited for their job?