Final answer:
The middle ear serves to transform sound waves into mechanical vibrations, amplify them, and transmit them to the inner ear, where they are converted into nerve signals that the brain can interpret as sound.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of the middle ear in the auditory system is to transmit sound waves to the inner ear. The middle ear performs the crucial role of converting air-borne sound vibrations into mechanical vibrations through the movement of three tiny bones known as the malleus, incus, and stapes collectively called the ossicles. These bones amplify the sound waves and transmit them via the oval window into the fluid of the cochlea within the inner ear.
The vibrations cause pressure waves in the cochlear fluid, stimulating tiny hairs on cells called hair cells. These hair cells transform the mechanical energy into electrical signals, which are then conveyed to the auditory nerve and interpreted by the brain as sound. This intricate process allows us to perceive the nuances of sound and helps regulate the amplitude of the vibrations to protect the inner ear from damage due to very loud noises.