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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3:36 minutes

Problem 16

Textbook Question

Name the structures of the outer, middle, and inner ears, and give the general function of each structure and each group of structures.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the structures of the outer ear: The outer ear consists of the pinna (auricle) and the external auditory canal. The pinna collects sound waves and directs them into the external auditory canal, which channels the sound waves toward the tympanic membrane (eardrum).

Describe the structures of the middle ear: The middle ear includes the tympanic membrane, ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes), and the Eustachian tube. The tympanic membrane vibrates in response to sound waves, transferring the vibrations to the ossicles. The ossicles amplify the vibrations and transmit them to the oval window of the inner ear. The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the external environment.

Explain the structures of the inner ear: The inner ear contains the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals. The cochlea is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve. The vestibule and semicircular canals are involved in balance and spatial orientation.

Group the structures by function: The outer ear is responsible for sound collection and direction. The middle ear amplifies and transmits sound vibrations. The inner ear processes sound signals and maintains balance.

Summarize the general functions: The ear as a whole is responsible for hearing and balance. The outer ear collects sound, the middle ear amplifies and transmits it, and the inner ear converts sound into neural signals while also aiding in equilibrium.

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Key Concepts

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

Outer Ear Structures

The outer ear consists of the pinna (the visible part of the ear) and the ear canal. The pinna collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal, which amplifies the sound and channels it toward the eardrum. This structure plays a crucial role in sound localization and protection of the inner ear.

Middle Ear Structures

The middle ear contains the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and three tiny bones known as the ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes). The eardrum vibrates in response to sound waves, and the ossicles amplify these vibrations and transmit them to the inner ear. This amplification is essential for converting sound waves into mechanical energy.

Inner Ear Structures

The inner ear includes the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals. The cochlea is responsible for converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound. The vestibule and semicircular canals are involved in balance and spatial orientation, making the inner ear crucial for both hearing and equilibrium.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

The basic receptors in the internal ear are the

(a) Utricles

(b) Saccules

(d) Supporting cells

(e) Ampullae

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Textbook Question

Sounds entering the external acoustic meatus are eventually converted to nerve impulses via a chain of events including:

a. Vibration of the eardrum

b. Vibratory motion of the ossicles against the oval window

c. Stimulation of hair cells in the spiral organ of Corti

d. Resonance of the cupula

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Textbook Question

Which of the following are paired incorrectly?

a. Cochlear duct—cupula

b. Vestibule—macula

c. Ampulla—otoliths

d. Semicircular duct—ampulla

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Textbook Question

Movement of which structure triggers the bending of hairs of the hair cells in the spiral organ of Corti?

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Textbook Question

Sylvia Marcus, age 70, recently had surgery for otosclerosis. The operation was a failure and did not improve her condition. What was the purpose of the surgery, and exactly what was it trying to accomplish?

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Textbook Question

Sound waves hitting the eardrum set it into motion. Trace the pathway of vibrations from the eardrum to the spiral organ of Corti, where the hair cells are stimulated.

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Textbook Question

Otoliths (ear stones) are

a. A cause of deafness

b. A type of hearing aid

c. Important in equilibrium

d. The rock-hard petrous part of the temporal bones

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Textbook Question

The structure that allows pressure in the middle ear to be equalized with atmospheric pressure is the