In this guide, you’ll read about the anatomy of the human ear. Although the structure of a human ear is complex, it is divided into two parts called outer, middle, and inner ear, respectively. These parts of the ear are now responsible for detecting sound by working as a team to make way for the sound waves from outer, through the middle, into the inner ear. There is a range of functions performed by these ear parts. Here is a brief distinction between the three layers and their separate functions.
The anatomy of our hearing or auditory system is extremely complex but can be broadly divided into two parts, one being called ‘peripheral’ and the other ‘central’.
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Functions of Human Ear
- Detect, transmit, and transduce sound.
- Analyzes sound by the conversion of sound waves into electrochemical impulses.
- The human ear maintains a sense of balance equilibrium.
Parts of Human Ear
The ear is the most sensitive part of the human organ system. The human ear comprises 3 chief parts such as:-
Outer Ear
On looking at the outermost layer of the human ear, the part visible is the auricle. The other part of the outer ear canal extending up to the head is the eardrum. As per the structure, the sound waves first arrive at the eardrum and then via the funnel to the auricle. This portion of the ear consists of the pinna (also auricle), ear canal, and eardrum. This part of the ear has been designed in a way to amplify the oscillating air and prevent air movements from disturbing it.
Middle Ear
The middle portion of the ear is an air-filled space. Present behind the eardrum. It is a thin membrane that hits the incoming sound waves. Post that, the further conduction of oscillations take place by 3 three tiny ossicles (bones) called the malleus, incus, and stapes, collectively called ossicles. This portion of the ear also consists of the Eustachian tube, which extends to the nose and throat area.
Fun fact:- stapes is the smallest bone of the human body
Inner Ear
The inner ear helps in healing and balancing organs. Inner ear beings with the Stirrup, hitting the next membrane called the “Oval Membrane”. Within it is the organ of equilibrium and the cochlear. This part of the ear resembles the snail shell. Further, the cochlea is the hearing part of the inner ear filled with liquid for balance. The waves of sound in the canal travel via one of the canals, conducted into the liquid, and up to the tip, returning back via a second canal.
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