Final answer:
Infections of the throat can reach the middle ear through the Auditory tube, also called the Eustachian tube, which connects the pharynx to the middle ear and plays a role in pressure equalization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throat infections may be transmitted to the middle ear via the Auditory tube, also known as the Eustachian tube. This tube connects the pharynx to the middle ear and allows for the equalization of air pressure on either side of the tympanic membrane, which is important for proper hearing.
In the structure of the ear, the external ear contains the auricle, ear canal, and tympanic membrane. Moving further in, the middle ear holds the ossicles, which are the three small bones known as the malleus, incus, and stapes, all crucial for transmitting sound waves. Lastly, the inner ear includes the cochlea and vestibule, associated with hearing and balance, respectively. However, it is the auditory tube that provides a pathway for infections from the throat to move into the middle ear, potentially leading to conditions such as otitis media.