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Multiple Choice
Which part of the ear amplifies the vibrations from sound waves?
A
Eustachian tube
B
Pinna (auricle)
C
Cochlea
D
Ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the ear. The ear is divided into three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Each part has specific functions in the process of hearing.
Step 2: Recognize the role of the ossicles. The ossicles are three tiny bones located in the middle ear: the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). Their primary function is to amplify sound vibrations.
Step 3: Learn how sound waves travel. Sound waves enter the ear through the pinna (auricle), travel down the ear canal, and cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transferred to the ossicles.
Step 4: Understand the amplification process. The ossicles amplify the vibrations by leveraging their mechanical structure, which increases the force of the sound waves as they pass from the eardrum to the oval window of the cochlea.
Step 5: Clarify why the other options are incorrect. The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the middle ear but does not amplify sound. The pinna collects sound waves but does not amplify them. The cochlea converts vibrations into neural signals but does not amplify them.