Final answer:
The function of the middle ear is to a)amplify and filter sound waves. The middle ear contains three small bones, which transmit vibrations to the inner ear. The lever system of the middle ear amplifies the force of the vibrations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of the middle ear is to a)amplify and filter sound waves.
The middle ear contains three small bones called the ossicles - the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones transmit the vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, specifically the cochlea, which is responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.
The lever system of the middle ear increases the force of the vibrations applied to the cochlea, amplifying the sound approximately 40 times. Additionally, the middle ear muscles protect the inner ear from intense sounds by reducing the force transmitted to the cochlea.