Ear Anatomysimple Ear Anatomy Visual
Anatomy of the Human Ear
The human ear is a complex organ that serves two primary functions: hearing and maintaining balance. It is anatomically divided into three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.
1. Outer Ear
The outer ear consists of the visible portion called the auricle, or pinna, and the external auditory canal. The auricle collects sound waves and guides them into the auditory canal. The inner end of the canal is closed by the tympanic membrane, commonly known as the eardrum. The function of the outer ear is to collect sound waves and guide them to the tympanic membrane.
2. Middle Ear
The middle ear is an air-filled cavity in the temporal bone. It contains a chain of three tiny bones the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup), collectively known as the auditory ossicles. These bones conduct sound from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.
3. Inner Ear
The inner ear, also known as the labyrinth, is a complex system of fluid-filled passages and cavities. It consists of two functional units: the vestibular apparatus and the cochlea. The vestibular apparatus, which includes the vestibule and semicircular canals, maintains balance. The cochlea, on the other hand, is responsible for hearing. These sensory organs are highly specialized endings of the eighth cranial nerve, also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve