What is the function of the following parts of the mammalian ear?
(i) Tympanic membrane
(ii) Eustachian tube
(iii) Ear ossicles
Answer:
i)
- Receives sound waves (from the air) and vibrates sound waves into vibrations then transmit them to the ear ossicles.
ii)
- Equalizes the air pressure in the middle ear to that in the outer ear
iii)
- Amplifies and transmits vibrations from the tympanic membrane in the middle ear to fenestra ovalis/ oval window.