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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Problem 17

Textbook Question

What are the three auditory ossicles in the middle ear, and what are their functions?

Verified step by step guidance

The three auditory ossicles in the middle ear are the malleus, incus, and stapes. These are tiny bones that play a crucial role in hearing by transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Step 1: Understand the location of the ossicles. The malleus is attached to the eardrum, the incus is positioned between the malleus and stapes, and the stapes connects to the oval window of the cochlea.

Step 2: Learn the function of the malleus. The malleus receives vibrations from the eardrum and transfers them to the incus. It acts as the first link in the chain of sound transmission.

Step 3: Learn the function of the incus. The incus acts as a bridge between the malleus and stapes, transmitting vibrations from the malleus to the stapes.

Step 4: Learn the function of the stapes. The stapes transmits vibrations to the oval window of the cochlea, where they are converted into fluid waves that stimulate sensory receptors for hearing.

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Key Concepts

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

Auditory Ossicles

The auditory ossicles are three small bones located in the middle ear: the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones are crucial for the conduction of sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. Their arrangement allows them to amplify and transmit sound waves efficiently, playing a vital role in the hearing process.

Malleus (Hammer)

The malleus, also known as the hammer, is the first of the three ossicles and is attached to the eardrum. It receives vibrations from the eardrum and transmits them to the incus. Its shape and position enable it to effectively convert sound waves into mechanical vibrations, initiating the process of sound transmission.

Stapes (Stirrup)

The stapes, or stirrup, is the smallest bone in the human body and the last of the auditory ossicles. It connects to the oval window of the cochlea in the inner ear. The stapes amplifies the vibrations received from the incus and transfers them into the fluid-filled cochlea, where they are converted into neural signals for the brain to interpret as sound.

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