External ear-
includes the
pinna;
structure of
flesh and
cartilage
Tympanic membrane-
eardrum is in the
middle ear and
vibrates at the same
frequency as the sound
wave that strikes it
Frequency-
number of
compressions per
second. Measured
in Hz. Smaller
gaps between
waves=higher
frequency
Amplitude- the
intensity. High
waves=higher intensity
Ossicles/oval window-
connected to the tympanic
membran are three tiny
bones that transmit the
vibrations from the
ossicles to the oval
window (a membrane of
the inner ear
Malleus/
hammer
Incus/
anvil
Stapes/
stirrup
Cochlea- snail
shaped structure in
the inner ear that has
three long, filled with
fluid, tunnels.
Scala vestibular,
scala media,
scala tympani
Hair cells-
auditory receptors
that lie between
the basilar
membrane of the
cochlea on one
side and the
tectorial
membrane on the
other.
Vibrations of the
fluid of the cochlea
displace the hair
cells which opens
the ion channels.
Depolarization
occurs as positive
charged potassium
wants to enter the
negatively charged
cell.