middle ear

• • Ossicles: 3 bones, malleus, incus stapes. Amplify and transmit vibrations from the eardrum to the oval window
• • Oval window: thin, flexible membrane. Transmits vibrations from the stapes to the fluid in the cochlea. 
• • Round window: a thin membrane between the middle and inner ear. Bulge outwards to allow for equalisation of pressure in the cochlea when the oval window vibrates. 
• • Eustachian tube: connects the middle ear to the pharynx at the back of the throat. Equalises air pressure on both sides of the eardrum so it is not overly stretched