The Ears - Anaphy

• The functions of the ear are hearing and maintenance of balance.
• External ear is composed of pinna, external auditory canal and tympanic membrane (eardrum)
• Middle ear consists of 3 bony ossicles, the malleus, incus and stapes
• Eustachian tube opens into the middle ear and allows for equalization of pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane
• Semicircular canals contain fluid and hair cells connected to the sensory fibers of the vestibular portion of the acoustic nerve
• Cochlear branch of the acoustic nerve is for hearing
• The center for acute hearing is the organ of Corti, which is found in the cochlea
• Vestibular branch of the acoustic nerve maintains balance and equilibrium
• Cranial nerve for hearing and balance: VIII
• The center for acute hearing is the organ of Corti, which is found in the cochlea