Labeling parts of the inner ear practice

#Labeling parts of the inner ear practice series

These ganglia are located within the spiral-shaped cochlea of the inner ear. Sound is transduced into neural signals within the cochlear region of the inner ear, which contains the sensory neurons of the spiral ganglia. However, these two distinct bundles travel together from the inner ear to the brain stem as the vestibulocochlear nerve. The neural signals from these two regions are relayed to the brain stem through separate fiber bundles. It has two separate regions, the cochleaВ and the vestibule, which are responsible for hearing and balance, respectively.

#Labeling parts of the inner ear practice series

The inner ear is often described as a bony labyrinth, as it is composed of a series of canals embedded within the temporal bone. The inner ear contains the cochlea and vestibule, which are responsible for audition and equilibrium, respectively. The middle ear contains the ossicles and is connected to the pharynx by the Eustachian tube. The tube is normally closed but will pop open when the muscles of the pharynx contract during swallowing or yawning.ДЇigureВ 1.В Structures of the EarВ The external ear contains the auricle, ear canal, and tympanic membrane. The middle ear is connected to the pharynx through the Eustachian tube, which helps equilibrate air pressure across the tympanic membrane. The stapes is then attached to the inner ear, where the sound waves will be transduced into a neural signal. The incus, in turn, articulates with the stapes. The malleus is attached to the tympanic membrane and articulates with the incus. The three ossicles are the malleus, incus, and stapes, which are Latin names that roughly translate to hammer, anvil, and stirrup. The middle earВ consists of a space spanned by three small bones called the ossicles. The auricle, ear canal, and tympanic membrane are often referred to as the external ear. At the end of the auditory canal is the tympanic membrane, or ear drum, which vibrates after it is struck by sound waves. The canal enters the skull through the external auditory meatus of the temporal bone. The C-shaped curves of the auricle direct sound waves toward the auditory canal.

Some sources will also refer to this structure as the pinna, though that term is more appropriate for a structure that can be moved, such as the external ear of a cat. The large, fleshy structure on the lateral aspect of the head is known as the auricle. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.Hearing, or audition, is the transduction of sound waves into a neural signal that is made possible by the structures of the ear (Figure 1). Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Most often, this test is done as part of another test called electronystagmography.ДЄ.D.A.M., Inc.

Your other ear is tested in the same way.Дuring the test, the health care provider may observe your eyes directly.

Then they should turn toward that ear and slowly back.

Next, a small amount of warm water or air is gently delivered into the same ear.

If water is used, it is allowed to drain out of the ear canal. Then they should turn away from that ear and slowly back. Your eyes should show an involuntary movement called nystagmus.

A small amount of cold water or air is gently delivered into one of your ears.

Before the test, your ear, especially the eardrum, will be checked.

When cold water or air enters your ear and the inner ear changes temperature, it should cause fast, side-to-side eye movements called nystagmus. This test stimulates your acoustic nerve by delivering cold or warm water or air into your ear canal.