Question

Sound waves that enter the external acoustic meatus eventually encounter the (tympanic membrane/oval window) which then vibrates at the same frequency as the sound waves hitting it?

1) Tympanic membrane
2) Oval window

Answer 1

The tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, is the structure that vibrates at the same frequency as the incoming sound waves. These vibrations are then transmitted to the oval window by the middle ear bones.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sound waves that enter the external acoustic meatus, better known as the ear canal, eventually encounter the tympanic membrane, which is also referred to as the eardrum. This thin membrane vibrates at the same frequency as the sound waves hitting it. After the sound waves make the tympanic membrane vibrate, the movement is transmitted via the three middle ear bones: the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup), in that order. Finally, the stapes transmits the vibrations to the oval window, a membrane covered entrance to the inner ear, setting off a complex series of events within the cochlea involving fluid movement and stimulation of hair cells which ultimately leads to the perception of sound.