THE EAR Explain the consequences for hearing if the structures labelled D are fused

• The ossicles/structures will not be able to vibrate

Functions • and hence no vibrations will be passed to the inner ear
Transmits vibrations
• • Cochlea will not be stimulated
to the oval window
•Amplifies sounds • No amplification will occur
Tympanic membrane/Tympanum (Eardrum) C Adaptation: Made from
Function: Vibrates and converts sound waves bone… carry vibrations E Semi-circular Explain how part E and part F helps to maintain balance
into vibrations; Pass vibrations to ossicles D Ossicles (Cristae - balance) 1. The cristae in the semi-circular (E) canals are stimulated by changes in the
Adaptations direction and speed of movement
•Thin membrane which can vibrate F Sacculus and Utriculus 2. The maculae in the sacculus and utriculus (F) are stimulated by changes in
and assists in amplification of sound (Maculae - balance) the position of the head.
• When stimulated, the cristae and maculae convert the stimuli received into
Ear canal B nerve impulses. The nerve impulses are transported along the auditory nerve
Function:Directs sound waves to the to the cerebellum to be interpreted. The cerebellum then sends impulses to
tympanic membrane/tympanum the muscles to restore balance
(eardrum) Explain the consequences for hearing if part G is
G Auditory Nerve
Pinna A damaged
(Sensory neuron)
Function:Directs sound waves Oval window K Transmit impulses from the cochlea to •Auditory nerve (G) won’t be able to transmit
to the tympanic membrane Function:Coverts sound the cerebrum (hearing) and semi-circular impulses to the cerebrum
Adaptations: vibrations into pressure canals to the cerebellum (balance) •Cerebrum won’t be able to interpret the
• Grooved-directs sound waves waves. Helps amplification H Cochlea impulses
Round windowJ Contains the hearing receptors •The person won’t be able to hear
• Situated on the outside called Organ of Corti .
to capture maximum sound Function:Release/absorb
waves pressure waves to I Eustachian tube
prevent internal ear (Connects the Mouth to the middle ear ) Explain the consequences of a blockage in part I
echo. Functions • Blockage of the Eustachian tube which will not
Equalise pressure on either side of the be able to equalise the pressure in the middle ear
• tympanic membrane/eardrum
• resulting in pressure on the tympanic
• Drains moisture from the middle ear membrane
• that may cause the tympanic membrane to
HEARING DEFECTS: burst - leading to hearing loss
Hearing defect Causes Treatment Describe how hearing occurs.
Middle ear • Excess fluid in the middle ear • Antibiotics • Sound waves are directed into the auditory canal by the pinna.
infection caused by pathogen infection • Inserting grommets in the • The sound waves make the tympanic membrane vibrate and the vibrations are passed
tympanic membranes on to the ossicles in the middle ear.
Deafness • Injury to parts of the ear, • Hearing aids • The ossicles make the oval window vibrate and this causes pressure waves to be set up
nerves or parts of brain • Cochlear implants in the inner ear.
responsible for hearing • These vibrations also cause the organ of Corti to be stimulated and it generates
• Hardened wax • Hardening of impulses which are sent to the cerebrum along the auditory nerve.
ear tissues such as ossicles • The cerebrum interprets the impulses as sound.