Outer Ear Physiology

Pinnae and external auditory meatus (ear canal)

Tympanic membrane (ear drum) and pinnae

External auditory meatus (ear canal) and tympanic membrane

Ossicles and tympanic membrane (ear drum)

Localisation and visibility

Funnel sound into ear canal and localisation

Visibility and funnel sound into the ear canal

Amplification and visibility

a) Provide larger surface area for stereocilia
b) Help amplify sound through resonance

a) Provide larger surface area for stereocilia
b) Help decrease the intensity of loud sounds

a) Protect tympanic membrane (ear drum) and inner ear from foreign objects
b) Help amplify sound through resonance

a) Protect tympanic membrane (ear drum) and inner ear from foreign objects
b) Help decrease the intensity of loud sounds