Ears
The human ear is a complex and important organ that is responsible for hearing. It consists of three parts - the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear is made up of the pinna (the visible part of the ear) and the ear canal, which both collect and direct sound waves to the middle ear. The middle ear is composed of the eardrum and three small bones (the malleus, incus and stapes). These bones amplify the sound waves which then travel to the inner ear, where they are converted into electrical signals and sent to the brain. The inner ear also contains the vestibular system, which is responsible for sensing balance, movement, and head position. Ears are essential for hearing and balance. They are also used to gather vital information about our environment, including when danger is present. Hearing loss is a very common affliction, and modern medical technology has advanced enough to provide hearing aids and cochlear implants to help people suffering from hearing impairment. In addition, research into the workings of the ear have led to many medical breakthroughs in the field of hearing science, such as the use of sound waves to assess patients’ blood pressure.
← Journal of Otolaryngology Advances