Final answer:
The incorrect statement in describing the structure of the ear is B) The inner ear consists of the auricle and auditory ossicles. The auricle is part of the outer ear, and the auditory ossicles are in the middle ear, not the inner ear.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you were explaining the structure of the ear to a friend and considering what components would not be part of such an explanation, let's evaluate the options provided:
A) The middle ear consists of the malleus, incus, and stapes. - This statement is correct. The middle ear does contain the three ossicles: malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup).
B) The inner ear consists of the auricle and auditory ossicles. - This statement is incorrect. The auricle and auditory ossicles are not part of the inner ear; the auricle is part of the outer ear, and the auditory ossicles are part of the middle ear.
C) The outer ear consists of the auricle and the external acoustic meatus. - This is a correct description of the outer ear, which includes the auricle (also known as the pinna) and the external acoustic meatus (ear canal).
D) The inner ear contains canals filled with fluid. - This is accurate. The inner ear contains the cochlea and semi-circular canals, which are indeed filled with fluid.
Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it includes elements that are not part of the inner ear's structure.