Final answer:
The term 'ear stones' refers to otoliths, which are important for balance and are located in the inner ear. The ossicles of the middle ear, malleus, incus, and stapes, are involved in hearing. The correct answer is 'C) Otoliths.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'ear stones' refers to otoliths, which are structures found in the inner ear involved in the sensory perception of balance and spatial orientation. Otoliths are composed of a crystalline matrix that overlies hair cells and reacts to gravity and linear acceleration. When you ask about the components of the ear associated with hearing and balance, the three ossicles of the middle ear are collectively known as the malleus, incus, and stapes, or by their common names, hammer, anvil, and stirrup. These bones play a crucial role in the transmission of sound waves from the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to the fluid-filled cochlea, allowing for sound transduction into neural signals. The cochlea contains receptors for transduction of mechanical waves to produce electrical signals, while the vestibule, which also contains otoliths, is responsible for balance. Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'Ear stones' would be 'C) Otoliths.