Ear & Mastoid Process - Anatomy & Physiology

Question 1

What are the two main functions of the ear?

Answer 1

Sense of hearing & balance

Question 2

What is the outer ear also known as?

Answer 2

Pinna aka auricle

Question 3

What is the role of the pinna?

Answer 3

Reflect soundwaves into external auditory canal

Question 4

What type of cartilage is the pinna made of?

Answer 4

Elastic cartilage

Question 5

What covers the pinna?

Answer 5

Layer of connective tissue called perichondrium

Question 6

Name one distinct structure of auricular cartilage.

Answer 6

Helix

Question 7

What do the two crura of the antihelix responsible form?

Answer 7

Form triangular fossa

Question 8

What is the function of the cerumen secreted by the auditory meatus?

Answer 8

Protects ear

Question 9

What is another name for the tympanic membrane?

Answer 9

Eardrum

Question 10

What does the tympanic membrane mark?

Answer 10

End of external ear & beginning of middle ear

Question 11

What are the two parts of the tympanic membrane?

Answer 11

• Pars tensa
• Pars flaccida

Question 12

What is the shallow depression at the center of the tympanic membrane called?

Answer 12

Umbo

Question 13

What is the main cavity opposite the tympanic membrane called?

Answer 13

Tympanic cavity proper

Question 14

What is the function of the Eustachian tube?

Answer 14

Supply air for sound conductions

Question 15

What are the three ossicles in the middle ear?

Answer 15

• Malleous or hammer
• Incus or anvil
• Stapes or stirrup

Question 16

What is the role of the ossicles?

Answer 16

Transmit sound to oval window through stapes

Question 17

What does the inner ear contain?

Answer 17

Labyrinth or inner ear

Question 18

What fluid surrounds the membranous labyrinth?

Answer 18

Perilymph

Question 19

What fluid is found within the membranous labyrinth?

Answer 19

Endolymph

Question 20

What are the sensory receptors for hearing and equilibrium in the inner ear?

Answer 20

Hair cells

Question 21

What are the tiny calcium carbonate crystals attached to hair cells called?

Answer 21

Otoliths

Question 22

What are the three parts of the bony labyrinth?

Answer 22

• Vestibule
• Semicircular canals
• Cochlea

Question 23

What is the role of the vestibule?

Answer 23

Equilibrium
Contains:
Saccule and utricle

Question 24

What structures within the vestibule determine static equilibrium?

Answer 24

• Utricle
• Saccule

Question 25

What structure in the semicircular canals is responsible for dynamic equilibrium?

Answer 25

Crista ampullaris

Question 26

What is the cochlea's function?

Answer 26

Hearing

Question 27

What does the cochlea receive vibrations through?

Answer 27

Perilymph

Question 28

What is the organ of Corti responsible for?

Answer 28

Hearing receptor cells

Question 29

What nerve is stimulated by the organ of Corti?

Answer 29

Vestibulocochlear nerve

Question 30

What does the vestibulocochlear nerve transmit information to?

Answer 30

Temporal lobe

Question 31

What is the small hard projection of the temporal bone called?

Answer 31

Mastoid Process

Question 32

What is connected to the middle ear through the mastoid antrum?

Answer 32

Air cells

Question 33

What is a conduit for infections from the middle ear to the mastoid process?

Answer 33

Mastoid antrum