Ears

The main function of the ear is responsible for hearing and maintaining our equilibrum or sense of balance. Structure of the Ear

• External ear- outer projection, has many shapes or sizes.

1. Pinna/Auricle- collectcs and directs sound waves


2. Auditory canal- contains cerumen


3. Eardrum- ends the external ear

• Middle ear- space that contains the smallest bone of the body

3 bones

1. Hammer/malleus


2. Anvil/incus


3. Stirrup/stapes

Eustachian- allow for air pressure on either side of the eardrum to be equalized

• Inner ear

1. Cochlea-bony spiral


2. Vestibule chamber-internal ear


3. semicircular