Parts of the Ear (Anatomy)
Membranous Labyrinth
Located within the bony labyrinth, also divided into three parts: semicircular ducts and two saclike structures - the saccule and the utricle.
Otoliths
these "stones" are crystals in the ear which move around when you nod your head or when twisting it side to side
Round Window
- flexible membrane that allows fluid within cochlea to vibrate
Saccule
smaller of two sacs within the membranous labyrinth of the vestibule in the inner ear ( small bag)
Cochlea
snail-shaped chamber within the inner ear, changes the vibrations from the bones into electrical signals
Otolithic Membrane
Endolymph like fluid that is beneath the otoliths
Hair Tufts
Hairs that help determine balance
Macula
Houses the receptors for static equilibrium
Dynamic equilibrium
The ability of the individual to adjust to displacements of the center of gravity of the body. Maintaining balance while moving (Semicircular Canals)
Ceruminous Glands
glands that create cerumen (Ear wax)
Utricle
larger of two sacs within the membranous labyrinth of the vestibule in the inner ear
Incus (anvil)
one of the 3 small bones in the middle ear which increase or decrease vibrations from the ear drum
Malleus (Hammer)
one of the 3 small bones in the middle ear which increase or decrease vibrations from the ear drum
Stapes (Stirrup)
one of the 3 small bones in the middle ear which increase or decrease vibrations from the ear drum
Perilymph
the bodily fluid that fills the space between the bony labyrinth of the inner ear
Vestibule
The central part of the osseous labyrinth, and is situated medial to the tympanic cavity, behind the cochlea, and in front of the semicircular canals.
External acoustic meatus
a pathway that takes vibrations to the ear drum
Tympanic Membrane (ear drum)
a small, thin membrane that vibrates when sound waves hit it
Ossicles
3 small bones located in the middle ear
Pharyngotympanic Tube
A narrow tube between the middle ear and the nose that serves to equalize pressure on both sides of the eardrum
Tympanic Cavity
Narrow air-filled chamber hanging out in petrous portion of temporal bone (really hard section of temporal bone)
Oval window
Opening into the inner ear, stapes articulates with it
Static Equilibrium
Position of the head based upon gravity when there is no movement(Vestibule)
Hair cell
Send signals to the cerebellum via the vestibular nerve
Vestibular Nerve Fibers
Sends signals to the cerebellum to report the position of your head
Osseous Labyrinth
Set of 3 parts in the ear (Cochlea,Vestibule, Semicircular Canals)
Cupula
The membrane that surrounds the hair in side the crista ampullaris
Crista Ampullaris
The part inside the Ampullar that helps tell balance when moving
Endolymph
Thick gel like fluid found inside of the membranous labyrinth
Vestibulocochlear Nerve
This is how the brain gets electrical messages from the the inner ear to the brain
Semicircular Canals
This is reponsible for keeping you upright, maintaining balance
Vestibular Apparatus
This is what the semicircular canals and the vestibule are called together
Ampulla
enlargement at the base of each semicircular canals. at the base is where the receptors are found
Pinna
this directs outside sounds to the ear canal