Ear Anatomy

part of ear 1 outer ear 2. middle ear 3. inner ear. The outer ear includes the visible part known as the pinna and the ear canal. The middle ear contains the ear drum and three tiny bones called the ossicles (malleus, incus and stapes). The inner ear consists of the cochlea, responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, responsible for balance. These interconnected structures work together to facilitate hearing and help maintain equilibrium.

The pinna, or auricle, is the visible part of the outer ear that collects sound and directs it through collects  sound and directs it through the ear canal, where it reaches the eardrum. 

The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, vibrates in response to sound waves, transmitting these vibrations to the ossicles. The ossicles amplify the sound and transmit it to the inner ear. 

Within the inner ear, the cochlea converts these vibrations into electrical signals, which are then sent to the brain via the auditory nerve for interpretation. The vestibular system, also located in the inner ear, contributes to balance and spatial orientation.

The cochlea is  spiral shaped, fluid filled structure containing hair cells that convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. The hair cell within the cochlea are responsible for converting mechanical vibration into electrical signals. When these hair cells are damaged or destroyed, hearing loss can occur.

The vestibular system comprises the semicircular canals and otolite organs, which detect motion, head position and spatial orientation, helping us maintain balance and equilibrium.