Anatomy of Human Ear Questions

Anatomy of Human Ear

The sense of hearing which is gifted to us, is all because of the existence of the human auditory system. The ability to distinguish sound by sensing vibrations, which also includes minute pressure variations in the surrounding medium is because of this auditory system only. The way the human ear converts pressure difference into perception is fascinating.

Listed below are the parts of human ears.

1. External or outer ear, comprise:

Auricle or Pinna which is the outer portion of the ear.

External auditory canal is the pipe that joins the external ear to the inner or middle ear.

The tympanic skin splits the exterior ear from the middle ear (eardrum).

2. Middle ear or tympanic cavity, is composed of:

Ossicles – These are three minor bones that are linked and they transmit the sound waves to the inner ear. These bones are –

Malleus

Stapes

Incus

Eustachian tube – A channel that connects the back of the nose with the middle ear. The eustachian tube supports to balance the pressure in the middle ear. For the proper transfer of sound waves, equalized pressure is required.

3. Inner ear is composed of:

Cochlea – Which holds the nerves for hearing.

Semicircular canals – This holds receptors for balance.

Vestibule – This holds receptors for balance.

Important Questions on Anatomy of Human Ear

1) Which among the following is the function of Human Ear?

(a) Collects sounds

(b) Sends sound signals to your brain

(c) Processes sounds

(d) All of the above

Correct Answer: Option (d)

Explanation: The ‘hearing complex’ is made up of many complicated parts that serve several processes. The outer ear assembles sound and channels it into the reverberating temporal bone of the skull, sending the sound waves into the middle ear through the eardrum. The middle ear consists of a mechanism of the three tiny which magnifies, and processes the sound, and then the neurological hub sends sound information via nerve signals to the brain.

2) Ears support you to keep your balance:

(a) True

(b) False

Correct Answer: Option (a)

Explanation: The inner ear is partially made up of 3 pipes of fluid, which are twisted around in a circle and are located at different angles. This fluid inside acts according to your motion, like when you are still, this fluid will be still. But when this goes wrong then you will have trouble with balance.

3) Which part of the ear converts sound waves into vibrations?

(a) Inner ear

(b) Ear canal

(c) Eardrum

(d) Middle ear

Correct Answer: Option (d)

Explanation: The part of the ear which converts the sound waves into vibrations is the middle ear.

4) Which bones are the most delicate bones in your body called?

(a) Cochlea

(b) Auricle

(c) Ossicles

(d) Soft bones

Correct Answer: Option (c)

Explanation: Ossicles. These bones, malleus, incus and stapes are the smallest bones in the body that sit in the middle ear between the inner ear and ear drum.

5) Which among the following is a decent way to take care of your ears?

(a) Use earplugs in loud music concerts

(b) Don’t poke your ears with cotton pads

(c) Keep low volume on your music player

(d) All of the above

Correct Answer: Option (d)

Explanation: The ears are a sensitive structure and can be easily and permanently damaged. Therefore, wearing earplugs and keeping foreign objects, such as cotton buds out of your ears is good for them.

6) Which tiny bone is attached to the eardrum?

(a) Malleus (hammer)

(b) Incus (anvil)

(c) Stapes (stirrup)

(d) None of these

Correct Answer: Option (a)

Explanation: Malleus is the tiny bone attached to the eardrum in the inner ear.

7) What splits the middle ear from the outer ear?

(a) Auricle

(b) Eardrum

(c) Ear wall

(d) Cochlea

Correct Answer: Option (b)

Eardrum is a sensitive and vital structure that stops debris, infection and other objects from getting into the ear. Hence, it separates the middle and outer ear.

8) Fluid moving in the_____causes you to feel dizzy after you stop spinning.

(a) Eustachian tubes

(b) Erie canals

(c) Semicircular canals

(d) Ear canals

Correct Answer: Option (c)

Explanation: The fluid looped around in a semi-circular canal is positioned at different angles. When you move your head the fluid inside these tubes stays still, just like tea inside a cup stays still when the cup is rotated.

9) What part of your ear allows the ‘popping’ that happens when you fly?

(a) Auditory nerve

(b) Eustachian tube

(c) Liberty tube

(d) Cochlear tube

Correct Answer: Option (b)

Explanation: Popping in your ears is when the pressure inside the middle ear is balanced with the pressure outside it, which frequently gives great relief and advances hearing. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of your nose and it allows for drainage of fluid and for pressure to be released.

10) Which portion of the ear is most generally pierced to wear earrings?

(a) Auricle (or pinna)

(b) Outer ear canal

(c) Middle ear

(d) Malleus

Correct Answer: Option (a)

Explanation: Auricle (or pinna) is the soft part of the ear that lies below the ear itself and is the common place for earrings.

Practice Questions

1. Explain the process of hearing.
2. What is the human range of hearing?
3. Describe the structure of the human ear.
4. Explain in brief, the different parts of the human ear.
5. Define hearing range.

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