Middle Ear Physiology

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BSc PS414 Cognitive Psychology I (The Auditory Stimulus and the Auditory System) Flashcards on Middle Ear Physiology, created by Petite Piplup on 12/10/2013.
Petite Piplup
Flashcards by Petite Piplup, updated more than 1 year ago
Petite Piplup
Created by Petite Piplup about 11 years ago
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Question Answer
What are the components of the middle ear? The ossicles (malleus, incus and stapes), middle ear muscles and eustachian tube. Beginning at the tympanic membrane and terminating at the oval window.
Outline the function of the ossicles Together they form a leverage action of which increases the amplitude of the sound. The malleus is positioned next to the tympanic membrane (and vibrates in response, causing the others to vibrate) until it gets to the stapes which connects with the cochlea through the oval window.
Outline other ways in which the middle ear increases amplification The tympanic membrane is funnel shaped, and has a ratio of 17:1 to the oval window of which concentrates the sound intensity and increases amplitude
How does the middle ear protect against loud noises and how effective is this? The middle ear muscles contract around the ossicles reducing the leverage action. This stops the amplification increasing. Though this is only effective in the short term and with self-generated sounds, after long durations the muscles tire and not effective with impact sounds.
Outline the function of the Eustachian tube Equalizing pressure build-up in the ear though the opening and closing of the throat. Therefore preventing the bursting of the tympanic membrane
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