Question

What process moves sound waves to the oval window, and what is the function of the oval window when sound enters the ear?

a) Process: Air conduction; Function: Acts as an entrance to the cochlea
b) Process: Bone conduction; Function: Separates the middle ear from the inner ear
c) Process: Sensorineural conduction; Function: Helps the brain to maintain equilibrium
d) Process: Air conduction; Function: Separates the outer ear from the middle ear

Answer 1

Air conduction is the process that moves sound waves to the oval window, which then acts as an entrance to the cochlea and separates the middle ear from the inner ear. (option a)

Step-by-step explanation:

The process that moves sound waves to the oval window is known as air conduction. During this process, sound waves travel through the outer ear to the middle ear, where they strike the tympanic membrane, causing it to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted through the three ossicles of the middle ear—malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup)—which effectively amplify the sound.

The stapes, being the last bone in the sequence, fits into the oval window, functioning as an interface to the inner ear. The oval window serves a crucial function: it acts as the entrance to the cochlea, transferring vibrations from the stapes into the cochlear fluid. It separates the air-filled chamber of the middle ear from the fluid-filled chamber of the inner ear,

Therefore, the correct answer is: a) Process: Air conduction; Function: Acts as an entrance to the cochlea.