Question

What is the primary function of the tympanic membrane?

To equalize air pressure in the tympanic cavity
To transduce airborne vibrations into neural signals
To transmit sound vibrations to the auditory ossicles
To block bacteria from entering the inner ear

Answer 1

The tympanic membrane primarily transmits sound vibrations to the tiny bones in the middle ear, which then pass the vibrations to the inner ear for further processing into neural signals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary function of the tympanic membrane, commonly known as the eardrum, is to transmit sound vibrations to the auditory ossicles, which are tiny bones in the middle ear. The tympanic membrane vibrates when it is hit by sound waves that travel through the ear canal. These vibrations are then transferred by the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup) to the inner ear, where the sound is further processed.

Neither does it transduce airborne vibrations into neural signals directly; this occurs in the cochlea of the inner ear where the mechanical vibrations are converted into electrical impulses. The tympanic membrane also does not block bacteria from entering the inner ear; its role is purely mechanical and related to hearing.