Question

While Travelling to Higher Altitudes, people can feel pain in the ear and dizziness. Which Part, among the following is involved?

• A. Tympanic membrane
• B. Cochlea, ear ossicles
• C. Eustachian tube, utricle, saccule and semicircular canals
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Eustachian tube, utricle, saccule and semicircular canals

The correct answer is c.

Explanation of correct answer

1. The inner ear is responsible for the maintenance of balance and body posture.
2. The eustachian tube helps in equalizing pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
3. Sudden elevation causes disturbance in the pressure, reorientation and disturbances in the inner ear that causes discomfort, dizziness, vomiting, etc.

Explanation of incorrect answer

Option a:

1. In human beings the eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane is a thin membrane.
2. It separates the tympanic cavity from the external auditory meatus.
3. The external ear receives sound waves and directs them to the tympanic membrane.
4. The tympanic membrane then vibrates in response to the sound waves.
5. These vibrations are then transmitted through the ossicles to the oval window.

Option b:

1. The ossicles (also known as auditory ossicles) are three bones in the middle ear that are among the smallest bones in the human body.
2. They serve to transmit sounds from the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to the fluid-filled labyrinth (cochlea).