Pinna (Auricle)
Visible outer part that directs sound into the ear canal.
Auditory Canal
Tube that carries sound waves to the eardrum.
Tympanic Membrane (Eardrum)
Vibrates when sound waves hit it.
Ossicles
Three small bones that transfer vibrations.
Oval Window:
Membrane that connects the middle ear to the inner ear.
Cochlea
Snail-shaped structure filled with fluid; site of transduction.
Basilar Membrane
Vibrates at different spots depending on pitch (frequency).
Hair Cells
Sensory receptors in the cochlea that convert vibrations into neural impulses.
Auditory Nerve
Carries neural signals to the brain.
Malleus (Hammer)
small bone that transfer vibrations
Incus (Anvil)
small bone that transfer vibrations
Stapes (Stirrup)
small bone that transfer vibrations – presses on the oval window.
