The ear is a wonderful organ which helps human beings to hear. The ear essentially can be divided in three parts namely the inner ear, middle ear and the outer ear. The slightest sound or vibration is trapped by the ear which then processes it and sends it to the brain.
The outer ear
This is the part of ear which is visible to all and is called the pinna. The function of this part is collection of the sound waves from the air. Sound waves are invisible and traverse through the air which the ear picks up. The ear canal is also a part of the outer ear and performs two functions. It increases the volume of the pitches which makes it easier to understand the speech. It is also involved in protection of the eardrum which is a circular and flexible membrane which vibrates when sound waves touch them.
The middle ear
The sound waves from the outer ear proceed to the middle ear which is constituted by three tiny bones namely ossciles. They are also known as hammer, stirrup and anvil. These bones form a pathway or bridge of sorts which connects the inner ear and the eardrum. Their function is a greater amplification of the sound and transmitting it via the oval window to the inner ear.
The inner ear
The inner ear is also known as the cochlea. It bears close resemblance to the snail’s circular shell. It has a collection of tubes inside which consists of a watery liquid. While the sound traverses the oval window, the fluid is set in motion causing the tiny hair cells to move as well. These cells, in turn transmit the vibrations as electrical impulses which move along the entire auditory nerve all the way to the brain.
