Functions of Parts of the Ear

The ear consists of three main parts, each divided into more parts, which are responsible for the hearing
process and for the balance of the body.

1.

The outer ear - it is the part of the ear which

can be seen. It is responsible with collecting
sounds from the environment and sending
them towards the other parts of the ears. The
outer ear also protects the inner ear from
outside damage. It consist of;

2.

The ear flap or pinna - this is the entrance for

the sound waves.

3.

The ear canal or meatus - it has a length of 2

cm and it guides the sound towards the inner
ear. This is also where glands which release
ear wax are positioned.

4.

The middle ear - just like its name suggests, it is located in between the other two parts of the ears. It is a cavity
filled with air which converts sound waves into pressure waves with the help of its three parts:

5.

The ear drum or the tympanic membrane - it is a delicate membrane which separates the outer ear from the
middle ear. When sound reaches it, it turns into mechanical energy.

6.

The hammer or the malleus - it is one of the three bones located next to the ear drum and it vibrates when
sound reaches it.

7.

The anvil or incus - it is another tiny bone which vibrates in response to the previous vibration.

8.

The stirrup or the stapes - it is the last bone which receives the vibration from the other two and sends it into the
inner ear.

9.

The inner ear - the last part of the ear is filled with a watery substance. It is made of three parts which are
involved both in the hearing process and in maintaining equilibrium.

10. The cochlea - it is a spiral shaped tube which can have 3 cm in length when stretched. It is covered in small hairs
which contain nervous cells. These cells react differently depending on the vibration they perceive and turn
vibration into electrical impulses which are sent to the brain.
11. Semi-circular canals - they are connected with the cochlea and are filled with fluid. Their role is to help the body
maintain balance.
12. The auditory nerve - it picks up electric impulses from the nerve cells on the cochlea and sends them to the
brain.
Any injury or malfunctioning in one of the parts of the ears can lead to hearing problems.