Sound waves are collected by the pinna ⟶ travel through the ear canal ⟶ cause the tympanic membrane to vibrate ⟶ vibrations are amplified by the ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes) ⟶ transmitted to the oval window, creating pressure waves in the cochlear fluid ⟶ movement of the cochlear fluid bends hair cells in the organ of Corti ⟶ hair cells release glutamate ⟶ glutamate triggers action potentials in auditory nerve fibers ⟶ action potentials travel to the brain, where they are perceived as sound.
