8.2.2 Mechanoreceptors in the Ear

    Cards (109)

    • The outer ear collects sound waves using the pinna
    • The middle ear amplifies sound waves through the tympanic membrane and ossicles.
    • Hair cells in the cochlea convert mechanical stimuli into electrical signals.
    • The vestibular system detects angular and linear acceleration for balance.
    • Match the ear structure with its function:
      Outer Ear ↔️ Collects sound waves
      Middle Ear ↔️ Amplifies vibrations
      Inner Ear ↔️ Converts vibrations to neural signals
    • The ossicles in the middle ear are called malleus, incus, and stapes.
    • The cochlea is filled with fluid and sensory hair cells.
    • Steps in the hearing process from sound waves to neural signals:
      1️⃣ Sound waves enter the outer ear
      2️⃣ Tympanic membrane vibrates
      3️⃣ Ossicles amplify vibrations
      4️⃣ Vibrations reach the oval window
      5️⃣ Hair cells in cochlea bend
      6️⃣ Action potentials are generated
    • The pinna collects sound waves and directs them towards the auditory canal.
    • The auditory canal guides sound waves to the tympanic membrane.
    • The outer ear's role is the initial step in the hearing process, preceding the middle and inner ear functions.
    • The tympanic membrane converts sound waves into mechanical vibrations.
    • The ossicles in the middle ear amplify vibrations using their lever action.
    • The cochlea is a fluid-filled structure that transforms sound waves into neural signals.
    • The basilar membrane in the cochlea vibrates at different frequencies along its length.
    • Bending of hair cell stereocilia triggers the opening of ion channels.
    • The base of the cochlea responds to high-frequency sounds.
    • Match the ear section with its function:
      Outer Ear ↔️ Collects sound waves
      Middle Ear ↔️ Amplifies sound waves
      Inner Ear ↔️ Converts vibrations to neural signals
    • The ossicles in the middle ear are called the malleus, incus, and stapes.
    • The cochlea is filled with fluid and sensory hair cells.
    • What are the components of the outer ear?
      Pinna and auditory canal
    • The ossicles in the middle ear amplify sound waves through lever action.
    • What is the primary function of the inner ear?
      Convert vibrations to signals
    • Steps in the transmission and processing of sound waves through the ear
      1️⃣ Pinna collects sound waves
      2️⃣ Auditory canal directs waves
      3️⃣ Tympanic membrane vibrates
      4️⃣ Ossicles amplify vibrations
      5️⃣ Cochlea converts vibrations to signals
    • The pinna gathers sound waves from the environment.
    • The auditory canal guides sound waves towards the tympanic membrane.
    • What is the role of the tympanic membrane in the middle ear?
      Converts waves to vibrations
    • The stapes passes amplified vibrations to the oval window.
    • Impedance matching in the middle ear prevents significant sound energy loss.
    • What is the cochlea responsible for in the inner ear?
      Mechanoreception
    • Match the cochlear component with its function:
      Basilar membrane ↔️ Vibrates at different frequencies
      Hair cells ↔️ Bend in response to vibration
      Tectorial membrane ↔️ Static membrane against hair cells
    • Which part of the cochlea responds to high-frequency sounds?
      Base
    • Sound waves in the cochlea are converted into electrical signals by hair cells.
    • Inner hair cells are located closer to the center of the cochlea.
    • Steps in the generation of action potentials by hair cells
      1️⃣ Sound waves vibrate the basilar membrane
      2️⃣ Stereocilia bend
      3️⃣ Ion channels open
      4️⃣ Potassium ions enter the cell
      5️⃣ Depolarization triggers neurotransmitter release
      6️⃣ Action potentials are generated
    • What is the primary function of inner hair cells?
      Transmit sound to brain
    • Mechanosensitive channels in hair cells open when stereocilia bend.
    • What is the first structure in the auditory pathway after the cochlea?
      Auditory nerve
    • The superior olivary complex is important for sound localization.
    • Stages in the auditory pathway from hair cells to the auditory cortex
      1️⃣ Auditory nerve carries action potentials
      2️⃣ Cochlear nuclei relay signals
      3️⃣ Superior olivary complex processes sound
      4️⃣ Inferior colliculus integrates information
      5️⃣ Medial geniculate nucleus sorts signals
      6️⃣ Auditory cortex interprets sound