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HUMAN EAR

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EXTERNAL EAR:

Pinna (Auricle)-

External Auditory Meatus-

Tympanum (Note: the tympanum separates the external ear from the middle ear)

MIDDLE EAR:

Ossicles-

malleus

incus

stapes

Eustachian (Auditory) tube- connects the nasopharynx with the middle ear.

INNER EAR:

Oval window

Bony labyrinth-

Structures which are part of the bony labyrinth include:

1. semicircular canals

2. vestibule

3. cochlea

Membranous labyrinth-

Structures which are a part of the membranous labyrinth include:

1. semicircular ducts: membranous tubes within the semicircular canals
2. ampulla: sac-like dilation of the semicircular ducts
3. utricle: upper, larger membranous chamber within the vestibule
4. saccule: lower, smaller membranous chamber within the vestibule
5. cochlear duct (scala media): spiral shaped membranous tube within the cochlea; filled with endolymph

Perilymph- fluid that surrounds all of the membranous labyrinth structures

Endolymph- fluid within all of the membranous labyrinth structures

Internal Structures of the Cochlea:

Scala vestibuli- chamber filled with perilymph; extends from the oval window to the helicotrema
Cochlear duct (scala media)- membranous tube within the cochlea (see note above); filled with endolymph
Scala tympani- chamber extending from the helicotrema to the round window; filled with perilymph.

Vestibular membrane-

Basilar membrane-

Organ of Corti-

Tectorial membrane-

Round window-

Helicotrema- opening at the apex (tip) of the cochlea, where the scala vestibuli and scala tympani meet

Vestibulocochlear (Auditory) nerve (VIII)-

NOTE: The middle ear is separated from the inner ear by a thin, bony partition that contains the oval window and the round window.

Last Updated 05/26/06

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