The external ear consists of the pinna, ear canal, and eardrum. The pinna is the visible part of the ear that collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal. The ear canal is a tube-like structure that leads to the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves, transmitting them to the middle ear.
The middle ear contains three small bones called the ossicles – the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The middle ear is also connected to the Eustachian tube, which helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment.
Ear Anatomy Diagram Worksheet Answers
The Inner Ear
The inner ear is made up of the cochlea, semicircular canals, and vestibule. The cochlea is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. The semicircular canals and vestibule are involved in balance and spatial orientation.