Final answer:
The pinna is the visible, external part of the ear and aids in collecting sound waves. It collects and focuses sound waves, which then travel through the ear canal to reach the eardrum. The vibrations of the eardrum are transmitted to the inner ear by the three bones of the middle ear.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pinna is the visible, external part of the ear and aids in collecting sound waves. Its main function is to collect and focus a sound wave. The wave then travels through the ear canal until it meets the eardrum. The pressure fluctuations of the sound wave make the eardrum vibrate. The three very small bones of the middle ear, the malleus (hammer), the incus (anvil), and the stapes (stirrup), transmit the vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.