Question

In the space below, describe how hearing works. Include all parts of the ear and brain that the energy goes through. Use terms like Pina, ear canal, tympanum, cochlea, Eustachian tube, inner ear, auditory nerve, vestibular nerve, vestibular system, stapes, incus, malleus, and middle ear.

Answer 1

The human ear is divided into three main sections: the outer, middle, and inner ear. The sound wave travels from the pinna through the ear canal and vibrates the eardrum. The vibrations are transmitted by the three tiny bones of the middle ear to the inner ear cochlea, where they activate receptor hair cells that send auditory signals to the brain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The human ear is divided into three main sections: the outer, middle, and inner ear. The sound wave starts in the pinna, which collects and focuses the sound. It then travels through the ear canal and vibrates the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The vibrations are transmitted by the three tiny bones of the middle ear (malleus, incus, and stapes) to the oval window of the fluid-filled inner ear cochlea. Once in the cochlea, the fluid movements cause the basilar membrane to flex, bending the stereocilia on the receptor hair cells. This activates the receptors, which send their auditory neural signals to the auditory nerve and then to the brain.