Histology of the Ear

Question 1

What are the main sensory functions of the ear? (2)

Answer 1

1. Sound perception
2. Balance and spatial orientation

Question 2

What are the three major divisions of the ear?

Answer 2

External, middle, and internal

Question 3

What external ear feature is a oval shaped appendage that functions to aid in sound amplification and localization.

Answer 3

Auricle (pinna)

Question 4

What is the pinna made of?

Answer 4

Elastic cartilage with tightly adherent thin skin

Question 5

What external ear feature is roughly s-shaped air-filled tubular structure that is continuous with auricle and continues to tympanic membrane?

Answer 5

External auditory meatus

Question 6

What is cerumen? What forms it?

Answer 6

Earwax - secretions from sebaceous glands and ceruminous glands

Question 7

What is the function of cerumen?

Answer 7

Lubricant, antimicrobial. impedes entry pf foreign particles

Question 8

What is the tympanic membrane?

Answer 8

Thin cone-shaped structure that seperates the external ear (external acoustic meatus) and middle ear (tympanic cavity)

Question 9

What is the lateral tympanic membrane lined with?

Answer 9

Stratified squamous epithelium

Question 10

What is the medial tympanic membrane lined with?

Answer 10

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Question 11

Describe the middle ear

Answer 11

Air filled space Situated within the temporal bone
-Amplifies and preforms impedance

Question 12

What connects the tympanic cavity and the nasopharynx?

Answer 12

Pharyngotympanic tube

Question 13

What are the two windows in the medial wall of the middle ear?

Answer 13

-Oval window (vestibular)
-Round window (cochlear)

Question 14

What are the parts of the auditory ossicles?

Answer 14

1. Malleus
2. Incus
3. Stapes