Functions of the ear
The ear is divided into three parts: an
external ear, a middle ear and an inner ear. Each part
performs an important function in the process of hearing.
The external ear consists of the auricle and ear canal. These structures
gather the sound and direct it towards the ear drum.
The middle ear chamber lies
between the external and inner ear and consists of an ear drum and the three
small ear bones (ossicles): malleus (hammer), incus (anvil) and stapes
(stirrup). These structures transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear. In so
doing they act as a transformer, converting sound vibrations in the external ear
canal into fluid waves in the inner ear.
The inner ear chamber
contains the microscopic hearing and balance nerve endings bathed in fluid.
Fluid waves initiated by movement of the stapes bone stimulate the delicate
hearing nerve endings, which in turn transmit an electric impulse to the brain
where it is interpreted as sound.
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