Ear Anatomy and Physiology

Question 1

What is the name given to the external visible ear?

Answer 1

Auricle/Pinna

Tragus

Question 2

What are the main parts of the tympanic membrane to look for?

Answer 2

The handle of the malleus
The cone of light
Pars tensa and pars flacida

Question 3

What are the three ossicles?

Answer 3

Malleus
Incus
Stapes

Question 4

What are the main components of the middle ear?

Answer 4

The ossicles (Malleus, Incus and Stapes)
Cranial Nerve VII (Facial) as the Chorda Tympani (which supplies taste to the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue)

Question 5

What is the importance of the connection to the mastoid system?

Answer 5

Middle ear infections can travel to the mastoid system causing mastoiditis and possible eventually leading to meningitis

Question 6

What are the superior and inferior spaces within the middle ear referred to?

Answer 6

Epitympanum

Hypotympanum

Question 7

What are the two muscles within the middle ear and what are their function?

Answer 7

Stapedius - Stabilise the stapes

Tensor tympani - Dampen sound in order to protect the tympanic membrane

Question 8

What is contained within the Inner ear?

Answer 8

Vestibulo-cochlear organ
Bony labyrinth
     -Cochlea
     - Vestibule
     - Semi-circular canals
Membranous labyrinth
     - Sensory epithelium
Fluid
     - Endolymph
     - Perilymph