Structures of the Ear

equalizes air pressure between the external ear and the middle ear cavity

collects sound waves and directs them toward the external acoustic meatus

supports the organ of Corti

distorts in response to vibrations of the endolymph

hearing

processes sound waves

sends sound waves to the tympanic membrane

transmit vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the oval window

amplifies vibrations

supports the hair cells that detect sound

site of transduction (converting mechanical energy to APs)

regulates the tension of the basilar membrane

transmits vibrations to the inner ear

acts as a mechanical release for waves from within the cochlea

relieves pressure in the perilymph

transmit vibrations to the perilymph of the scala tympani

carries vibrations to the round window

canal- detects kinetic or dynamic equilibrium (balance)

remains stationary as hair cells on the basilar membrane move

houses middle ear and the membranous labyrinth

allows tympanic membrane to vibrate

vibrates in response to sound waves

detects static equilibrium

transmits vibrations of the perilymph

seperates the cochlear duct and the scala vestibuli

carries info for balance to brain