Nerve endings of the human ear diagram. What is the human ear made of?

The ear consists of three sections: outer, middle and inner. The outer and middle ear conduct sound vibrations to the inner ear and are the sound-conducting apparatus. The inner ear forms the organ of hearing and balance.

outer ear It consists of the auricle, external auditory canal and tympanic membrane, which are designed to capture and conduct sound vibrations to the middle ear.

Auricle consists of elastic cartilage covered with skin. Cartilage is absent only in the earlobe. The free edge of the shell is wrapped, and is called a whorl, and the antihelix is ​​located parallel to it. At the front edge of the auricle, a protrusion is distinguished - a tragus, and behind it is an antitragus.

External auditory canal is a short S-shaped canal 35-36 mm long. It consists of a cartilaginous part (1/3 of the length) and bone (the remaining 2/3 of the length). The cartilaginous part passes into the bone at an angle. Therefore, when examining the ear canal, it must be straightened.

The external auditory meatus is lined with skin containing sebaceous and sulfuric glands that secrete sulfur. The passage ends at the tympanic membrane.

eardrum - it is a thin translucent oval plate, which is located on the border of the outer and middle ear. It stands obliquely with respect to the axis of the external auditory canal. Outside, the eardrum is covered with skin, and inside is lined with a mucous membrane.

Middle ear includes the tympanic cavity and the auditory (Eustachian) tube.

tympanic cavity located in the thickness of the pyramid of the temporal bone and is a small space of a cuboid shape, with a volume of about 1 cm 3.

From the inside, the tympanic cavity is lined with a mucous membrane and filled with air. It contains 3 auditory ossicles; hammer, anvil and stirrup, ligaments and muscles. All bones are interconnected through a joint and covered with a mucous membrane.

The hammer with its handle is fused with the eardrum, and the head is connected to the anvil, which in turn is movably connected to the stirrup.

The function of the ossicles is to transmit sound waves from the eardrum to the inner ear.

The tympanic cavity has 6 walls:

1. Upper the tire wall separates the tympanic cavity from the cranial cavity;

2. Lower the jugular wall separates the cavity from the outer base of the skull;

3. Anterior carotid separates the cavity from the carotid canal;

4. Posterior mastoid wall separates the tympanic cavity from the mastoid process

5. Lateral wall is the tympanic membrane itself

6. medial wall separates the middle ear from the inner ear. It has 2 holes:

- oval- the window of the vestibule, covered with a stirrup.

- round- window of the cochlea, covered by the secondary tympanic membrane.

The tympanic cavity communicates with the nasopharynx through the auditory tube.

auditory trumpet- This is a narrow channel about 35 mm long, 2 mm wide. Consists of cartilaginous and bone parts.

The auditory tube is lined with ciliated epithelium. It serves to supply air from the pharynx to the tympanic cavity and maintains the same pressure in the cavity as the external one, which is very important for the normal operation of the sound-conducting apparatus. Through the auditory tube, an infection can pass from the nasal cavity to the middle ear.

Inflammation of the auditory tube is called eustachitis.

inner ear located in the thickness of the pyramid of the temporal bone and separated from the tympanic cavity by its medial wall. It consists of a bony labyrinth and a membranous labyrinth inserted into it.

Bone labyrinth is a system of cavities and consists of 3 departments: vestibule, cochlea and semicircular canals.

threshold- This is a cavity of small size and irregular shape, occupying a central position. It communicates with the tympanic cavity through an oval and round opening. In addition, there are 5 small holes in the vestibule, through which it communicates with the cochlea and semicircular canals.

Snail is a convoluted spiral canal that forms 2.5 turns around the axis of the cochlea and ends blindly. The axis of the cochlea lies horizontally and is called the bony shaft of the cochlea. A bone spiral plate is wrapped around the rod.

Semicircular canals- represented by 3 arcuate tubes lying in three mutually perpendicular planes: sagittal, frontal, horizontal.

membranous labyrinth - located inside the bone, resembles it in shape, but has a smaller size. The wall of the membranous labyrinth consists of a thin connective tissue plate covered with a squamous epithelium. Between the bony and membranous labyrinth there is a space filled with liquid - perilymph. The membranous labyrinth itself is filled endolymph and is a closed system of cavities and channels.

In the membranous labyrinth, the elliptical and spherical sacs, three semicircular ducts and the cochlear duct are isolated.

Elliptical pouch communicates with the semicircular duct through five openings but spherical- with cochlear duct.

On the inner surface spherical and elliptical pouches(uterus) and semicircular ducts there are hair (sensitive) cells covered with a jelly-like substance. These cells perceive endolymph vibrations during movements, turns, tilts of the head. The irritation of these cells is transmitted to the vestibular part of the VIII pair of cranial nerves, and then to the nuclei of the medulla oblongata and cerebellum, then to the cortical region, i.e. in the temporal lobe of the brain.

On a surface sensitive cells there is a large number of crystalline formations consisting of calcium carbonate (Ca). These formations are called otoliths. They are involved in the excitation of hair sensitive cells. When the position of the head changes, the pressure of the otoliths on the receptor cells changes, which causes their excitation. Hair sensory cells (vestibuloreceptors), spherical, elliptical sacs (or uterus) and three semicircular ducts make up vestibular (otolithic) apparatus.

cochlear duct has a triangular shape and is formed by the vestibular and main (basilar) membrane.

On the walls of the cochlear duct, namely on the basilar membrane, there are receptor hair cells (auditory cells with cilia), the vibrations of which are transmitted to the cochlear part of the VIII pair of cranial nerves, and then along this nerve the impulses reach the auditory center located in the temporal lobe.

In addition to hair cells, on the walls of the cochlear duct there are sensory (receptor) and supporting (supporting) cells that perceive perilymph vibrations. Cells located on the wall of the cochlear duct form the auditory spiral organ (the organ of Corti).

It performs a function that is of great importance for the full life of a person. Therefore, it makes sense to study its structure in more detail.

Ear anatomy

The anatomical structure of the ears, as well as their components, has a significant impact on the quality of hearing. Human speech directly depends on the full-fledged work of this function. Therefore, the healthier the ear, the easier it is for a person to carry out the process of life. It is these features that determine the fact that the correct anatomy of the ear is of great importance.

Initially, it is worth starting to consider the structure of the organ of hearing with the auricle, which is the first to catch the eye of those who are not experienced in the subject of human anatomy. It is located between the mastoid process on the back side and the temporal mandibular joint in front. It is thanks to the auricle that the perception of sounds by a person is optimal. In addition, it is this part of the ear that has an important cosmetic value.

As the basis of the auricle, you can define a plate of cartilage, the thickness of which does not exceed 1 mm. On both sides it is covered with skin and perichondrium. The anatomy of the ear also points to the fact that the only part of the shell devoid of a cartilaginous framework is the lobe. It consists of adipose tissue covered by the skin. The auricle has a convex inner part and a concave outer part, the skin of which is tightly fused with the perichondrium. Speaking about the inner part of the shell, it is worth noting that in this area the connective tissue is much more developed.

It is worth noting the fact that two-thirds of the length of the external auditory canal is occupied by the membranous-cartilaginous section. As for the bone department, he gets only a third of it. The basis of the membranous-cartilaginous section is the continuation of the cartilage of the auricle, which has the appearance of a groove open at the back. Its cartilaginous framework is interrupted by vertical Santorini fissures. They are covered with fibrous tissue. The boundary of the ear canal is located exactly in the place where these gaps are located. It is this fact that explains the possibility of developing a disease that has appeared in the outer ear, in the region of the parotid gland. It should be understood that this disease can spread in the reverse order.

Those for whom information is relevant within the framework of the topic “anatomy of the ears” should also pay attention to the fact that the membranous-cartilaginous section is connected to the bone part of the external auditory canal through fibrous tissue. The narrowest part can be found in the middle of this department. It is called the isthmus.

Within the membranous-cartilaginous section, the skin contains sulfur and sebaceous glands, as well as hair. It is from the secretion of these glands, as well as the scales of the epidermis that has been torn away, that earwax is formed.

Walls of the external auditory canal

The anatomy of the ears also includes information about the various walls that are located in the external passage:

• Upper bony wall. If a fracture occurs in this part of the skull, then its consequence may be liquorrhea and bleeding from the ear canal.
• front wall. It is located on the border with the temporomandibular joint. The transmission of movements of the jaw itself goes to the membranous-cartilaginous part of the external passage. Sharp painful sensations can accompany the chewing process if inflammatory processes are present in the anterior wall area.

• The anatomy of the human ear also concerns the study of the posterior wall of the external auditory canal, which separates the latter from the mastoid cells. At the base of this wall is the facial nerve.
• Bottom wall. This part of the external passage delimits it from the salivary parotid gland. Compared to the top, it is 4-5 mm longer.

Innervation and blood supply of the hearing organs

These functions must be paid attention without fail to those who study the structure of the human ear. The anatomy of the organ of hearing includes detailed information about its innervation, which is carried out through the trigeminal nerve, the ear branch of the vagus nerve, and also the posterior auricular nerve provides nerve supply to the rudimentary muscles of the auricle, although their functional role can be defined as rather low.

Regarding the topic of blood supply, it is worth noting that the blood supply is provided from the system of the external carotid artery.

The blood supply directly to the auricle itself is carried out using the superficial temporal and posterior auricular arteries. It is this group of vessels, together with a branch of the maxillary and posterior auricular arteries, that provide blood flow in the deep sections of the ear and the tympanic membrane in particular.

The cartilage receives its nourishment from the vessels located in the perichondrium.

Within the framework of such a topic as "Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear", it is worth considering the process of venous outflow in this part of the body and the movement of lymph. Venous blood leaves the ear through the posterior auricular and posterior-mandibular vein.

As for the lymph, its outflow from the outer ear is carried out through nodes that are located in the mastoid process in front of the tragus, and also under the lower wall of the auditory external canal.

Eardrum

This part of the organ of hearing performs the function of separating the outer and middle ear. In fact, we are talking about a translucent fibrous plate, which is strong enough and resembles an oval shape.

Without this plate, the ear will not be able to fully function. Anatomy reveals the structure of the tympanic membrane in sufficient detail: its size is approximately 10 mm, while its width is 8-9 mm. An interesting fact is that in children this part of the hearing organ is almost the same as in adults. The only difference comes down to its shape - at an early age it is rounded and noticeably thicker. If we take the axis of the external auditory canal as a guideline, then the tympanic membrane is located obliquely with respect to it, at an acute angle (approximately 30 °).

It should be noted that this plate is located in the groove of the fibrocartilaginous tympanic ring. Under the influence of sound waves, the eardrum begins to tremble and transmit vibrations to the middle ear.

tympanic cavity

The clinical anatomy of the middle ear includes information about its structure and functions. This part of the organ of hearing also applies to the auditory tube with a system of air cells. The cavity itself is a slit-like space in which 6 walls can be distinguished.

Moreover, in the middle ear there are three ear bones - the anvil, hammer and stirrup. They are connected with small joints. In this case, the hammer is located in close proximity to the eardrum. It is he who is responsible for the perception of sound waves transmitted by the membrane, under the influence of which the hammer begins to tremble. Subsequently, the vibration is transmitted to the anvil and stirrup, and then the inner ear reacts to it. This is the anatomy of the human ears in their middle part.

How is the inner ear

This part of the organ of hearing is located in the region of the temporal bone and outwardly resembles a labyrinth. In this part, the received sound vibrations are converted into electrical impulses that are sent to the brain. Only after the complete completion of this process, a person is able to respond to sound.

It is important to pay attention to the fact that the human inner ear contains semicircular canals. This is relevant information for those who study the structure of the human ear. The anatomy of this part of the organ of hearing has the form of three tubes that are curved in the form of an arc. They are located in three planes. Due to the pathology of this part of the ear, disturbances in the functioning of the vestibular apparatus are possible.

Anatomy of sound production

When sound energy enters the inner ear, it is converted into impulses. At the same time, due to the structural features of the ear, the sound wave propagates very quickly. The consequence of this process is the occurrence of a shear-promoting cover plate. As a result, the stereocilia of hair cells are deformed, which, having come into a state of excitation, transmit information with the help of sensory neurons.

Conclusion

It is easy to see that the structure of the human ear is quite complex. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the hearing organ remains healthy and to prevent the development of diseases found in this area. Otherwise, you may encounter such a problem as a violation of sound perception. To do this, at the first symptoms, even if they are minor, it is recommended to visit a highly qualified doctor.

Human. Most of it consists of a cartilaginous formation visible to the eye - the auricle. It is she who provides the delivery of sound to specific analyzers.

Characteristics of the anatomical structure

The outer region of the human hearing organ consists of the auricle, but in addition to it, this department also includes a specific membrane. It is called "drum".

The auricle of the outer ear itself is formed from cartilage, which is covered with skin. Only the lobe, which is softer to the touch, consists of adipose tissue enclosed in a skin sac. A large number of nerve endings are also located here.

There is a hole in the bottom of the ear. This is the entrance gate to the auditory canal. Its dimensions are small. The length of the auditory meatus does not exceed 2.5 cm. It is not the same in width throughout and has a slight anatomical narrowing, which is called the "isthmus". In this place, the structure of the external passage is limited by the temporal bone of the skull.

The ear canal is lined with integumentary tissue, which is rich in secretory glands that secrete a specific protective substance - sulfur. It protects the hearing organ from infection by pathogenic microorganisms, pollution by dust and small foreign particles. To remove wax in the auditory canal, there are special cilia. Hesitating, they gradually bring the secretory discharge out. The stimulator of this process are any movements produced by the lower jaw.

The anatomy of the ear canal is more complex than that of the auricle. Conventionally, this department is divided into two parts:

1. The auditory canal begins with the membranous-cartilaginous region, which is formed, like the auricle, from cartilage and connective tissue. Moreover, small petals of cartilage form only two walls - the front and bottom. The rest of this department is fiber and fibrous fibers.
2. Starting with an anatomical narrowing in the region of the temporal bone, the ear canal of the external ear is formed mainly from bone tissue.

The ear canal borders the salivary glands. This neighborhood often leads to cross-infection of these organs with pathogens.

The inner border of the outer ear is the tympanic membrane. It is a very thin plate slightly concave inward shape. It is attached in the anatomical groove of the temple bone. However, a small portion of it at the top remains free. This membrane is not only one of the main conductors of sound vibrations, but also a kind of protection for the internal parts of the hearing organ.

If we talk about its structure, then the eardrum is formed from 3 main layers:

1. Outside is the epidermal tissue. In fact, it is a continuation of the skin that lines the outer region of the auditory canal of the human ear.
2. The middle is fibrous tissue. It has a specific structure. Its fibers are directed in 2 different directions. Some form circularly arranged circles, while other areas of fibrous tissue connect them into one whole, located along the radius of the circles.
3. The inner layer of the tympanic membrane is actually the beginning. It is formed by mucous tissue, that is, the same that lines the outer sections of the human middle ear.

Blood supply and innervation

Blood enters this area of ​​the organ of hearing through the branches of the carotid artery, and the outflow is carried out thanks to the branches of the jugular vein. Accordingly, nutrition for this organ is delivered by the same vessels that feed all the structures located in the human skull.

The outer ear is adequately surrounded by lymph nodes. These include the following:

• The anterior nodes are the easiest to palpate. They are located almost under the skin directly in front of the auricle in the tragus area.
• Lower ear formations of lymphatic tissue are attached deeper. They border on the lower wall of the external auditory canal of the human ear.

These lymph nodes help protect the hearing organs from the adverse effects of pathogenic bacterial agents and their toxins. In addition, they participate in the metabolic processes that take place between the tissues of the organ and the circulatory system.

Branches and nerve endings of several rather large nerve fibers pass through the outer part of the ear. These include several ear motor nerves:

• anterior part of the branch of the ear large nerve ending;
• several branches of the vagus nerve;
• temporo-auricular nerve ending.

These same branches innervate the outer ear in other departments.

Functional Properties

When asked why this department of the organ of hearing is needed, almost every person will answer that it is necessary for conducting sound vibrations. And this will not be entirely correct. After all, the functions of the external department of this organ do not end there. Experts identify three main "duties" performed by the outer ear. These include the following:

1. This section protects the machine from adverse environmental influences. And this is not only pathogenic bacteria and mechanical pollution.
2. The external auditory canal provides a constant temperature, humidity and pressure in the tympanic membrane. Accordingly, the inner ear is quite difficult to damage.
3. This department is not only able to capture and conduct sounds to the eardrum area. The external auditory canal plays the role of a natural sound resonator. How is it shown? This department fully controls acoustic vibrations. Thus, it muffles louder sounds, and, on the contrary, amplifies weaker ones. As a result, the outer ear not only allows you to hear sound of any frequency and volume, but also prevents you from being injured by loud sound.

It is thanks to the structure of the outer ear that a person gains the ability to determine the exact direction of sound propagation, as well as its remoteness.

This is due to the binaural effect, that is, the ability to hear sound with both ears at once.

From the foregoing, we can conclude that the outer ear is a complex anatomical structure. It not only serves as a conductor of sound waves, but also performs a protective function, protecting the inner part of the hearing organ from adverse environmental influences.

The human ear is a unique, rather complex organ in its structure. But, at the same time, the method of its work is very simple. The organ of hearing receives sound signals, amplifies them and converts them from ordinary mechanical vibrations into electrical nerve impulses. The anatomy of the ear is represented by many complex constituent elements, the study of which is singled out as a whole science.

Everyone knows that the ears are a paired organ located in the region of the temporal part of the human skull. But, a person cannot see the device of the ear in full, since the auditory canal is located quite deep. Only the auricles are visible. The human ear is capable of perceiving sound waves up to 20 meters long, or 20,000 mechanical vibrations per unit time.

The organ of hearing is responsible for the ability to hear in the human body. In order for this task to be performed in accordance with the original purpose, the following anatomical components exist:

human ear

• , presented in the form of an auricle and an auditory canal;
• , consisting of the tympanic membrane, a small cavity of the middle ear, the ossicular system, and the Eustachian tube;
• The inner ear, formed from a transducer of mechanical sounds and electrical nerve impulses - snails, as well as systems of labyrinths (regulators of balance and position of the human body in space).

Also, the anatomy of the ear is represented by the following structural elements of the auricle: curl, antihelix, tragus, antitragus, earlobe. Clinical is physiologically attached to the temple with special muscles called vestigial.

Such a structure of the hearing organ has the influence of external negative factors, as well as the formation of hematomas, inflammatory processes, etc. Ear pathologies include congenital diseases that are characterized by underdevelopment of the auricle (microtia).

outer ear

The clinical form of the ear consists of the outer and middle sections, as well as the inner part. All these anatomical components of the ear are aimed at performing vital functions.

The human outer ear is made up of the auricle and the external auditory meatus. The auricle is presented in the form of elastic dense cartilage, covered with skin on top. Below you can see the earlobe - a single fold of skin and adipose tissue. The clinical form of the auricle is rather unstable and extremely sensitive to any mechanical damage. Not surprisingly, professional athletes have an acute form of ear deformity.

The auricle serves as a kind of receiver for mechanical sound waves and frequencies that surround a person everywhere. It is she who is a repeater of signals from the outside world to the ear canal. If in animals the auricle is very mobile and plays the role of a barometer of dangers, then in humans everything is different.

The ear shell is lined with folds that are designed to receive and process distortion of sound frequencies. This is necessary so that the head part of the brain can perceive the information necessary for orientation in the area. The auricle acts as a kind of navigator. Also, this anatomical element of the ear has the function of creating surround stereo sound in the ear canal.

The auricle is capable of picking up sounds that propagate at a distance of 20 meters from a person. This is due to the fact that it is directly connected to the ear canal. Next, the cartilage of the passage is converted into bone tissue.


In the ear canal, there are sulfur glands that are responsible for the production of earwax, which is necessary in order to avoid the influence of pathogenic microorganisms. Sound waves that are perceived by the auricle penetrate the ear canal and hit the eardrum.

To avoid rupture of the eardrum during flights, explosions, high noise levels, etc., doctors recommend opening your mouth to push the sound wave away from the eardrum.

All vibrations of noise and sound come from the auricle to the middle ear.

The structure of the middle ear

The clinical form of the middle ear is presented as a tympanic cavity. This vacuum space is localized near the temporal bone. It is here that the auditory ossicles are located, referred to as the hammer, anvil, stirrup. All these anatomical elements are aimed at converting noise in the direction of their outer ear into the inner.

The structure of the middle ear

If we consider in detail the structure of the auditory ossicles, we can see that they are visually represented as a series-connected chain that transmits sound vibrations. The clinical handle of the malleus of the sense organ is closely attached to the tympanic membrane. Further, the head of the malleus is attached to the anvil, and that to the stirrup. Violation of the work of any physiological element leads to a functional disorder of the organ of hearing.

The middle ear is anatomically connected to the upper respiratory tract, namely the nasopharynx. The connecting link here is the Eustachian tube, which regulates the pressure of the air supplied from outside. If the surrounding pressure rises or falls sharply, then the person's ears are naturally blocked. This is the logical explanation for the painful sensations of a person that occur when the weather changes.

A severe headache, bordering on a migraine, suggests that the ears at this time are actively protecting the brain from damage.

A change in external pressure reflexively causes a reaction in the form of a yawn in a person. To get rid of it, doctors advise swallowing saliva several times or blowing sharply into a pinched nose.

The inner ear is the most complex in its structure, therefore in otolaryngology it is called a labyrinth. This organ of the human ear consists of the vestibule of the labyrinth, the cochlea, and the semicircular canaliculi. Further, the division goes according to the anatomical forms of the labyrinth of the inner ear.

inner ear model

The vestibule or membranous labyrinth consists of the cochlea, uterus and sac, connected to the endolymphatic duct. There is also a clinical form of receptor fields. Next, you can consider the structure of such organs as the semicircular canals (lateral, posterior and anterior). Anatomically, each of these canals has a stalk and an ampullar end.

The inner ear is represented as a cochlea, the structural elements of which are the scala vestibuli, the cochlear duct, the scala tympani, and the organ of Corti. It is in the spiral or Corti organ that the pillar cells are localized.

Physiological features

The organ of hearing has two main purposes in the body, namely the maintenance and formation of body balance, as well as the acceptance and transformation of environmental noises and vibrations into sound forms.

In order for a person to be in balance both at rest and during movement, the vestibular apparatus functions 24 hours a day. But, not everyone knows that the clinical form of the inner ear is responsible for the ability to walk on two limbs, following a straight line. This mechanism is based on the principle of communicating vessels, which are presented in the form of hearing organs.

The ear contains semicircular canals that maintain fluid pressure in the body. If a person changes the position of the body (state of rest, movement), then the clinical structure of the ear "adjusts" to these physiological conditions, regulating intracranial pressure.

The presence of the body at rest is ensured by such organs of the inner ear as the uterus and sac. Due to the constantly moving fluid in them, nerve impulses are transmitted to the brain.

Clinical support for body reflexes is also provided by muscle impulses delivered by the middle ear. Another complex of organs of the ear is responsible for focusing attention on a specific object, that is, it takes part in the performance of the visual function.

Based on this, we can say that the ear is an indispensable priceless organ of the human body. Therefore, it is so important to monitor his condition and contact specialists in time if there are any hearing pathologies.

The functionality of the hearing organs is determined by their rather complex "design". The work of all structures of the ears, the structure of their departments ensure the acceptance of sound, its transformation and transmission of processed information to the brain.

To understand how sound is transmitted from the outside to the brain, you need to study how the human ear works.

The structure of the outer ear

The structure and functions of the ear should be studied from its visible section. The main task of the outer ear is to receive sound. This part of the organ consists of two elements: the auricle and the auditory canal, and ends with the tympanic membrane.

• The auricle is a cartilaginous tissue of a special shape, covered with a skin-fat layer;
• part of the auricle - the lobe - is devoid of a cartilaginous base and consists entirely of skin and adipose tissue;
• unlike the auricles of animals, the human ear is practically motionless;
• the shape of the auricles allows you to capture sound waves of different frequencies from different distances;
• the shape of the auricle for each person is unique, like fingerprints, but has common parts: tragus and antitragus, curl, curl legs, antihelix;
• passing and reflecting from the labyrinths of the curls of the auricle, sound waves emanating from different directions are successfully captured by the auditory organ;
• the device of the ear serves to amplify the received sound waves - they improve their quality in the inner section of the outer part of the organ, special folds covering the ear canal;
• the auditory canal is lined inside with glands that produce earwax - a substance that protects the organ from the penetration of bacteria;
• to prevent drying of the skin surface inside the ear canal, the sebaceous glands produce a lubricating secret;
• the auditory canal is closed by the tympanic membrane, delimiting the outer and middle sections of the auditory organ.

The structure of the human ear in this section helps the hearing organ perform its sound-conducting functions. His "work" here is:

1. In capturing sound waves with the auricles.
2. Transport and amplification of sound in the ear canal.
3. The influence of sound waves on the eardrum, which transmits vibrations to the middle ear.

Under the bone tissue of the skull is a section of the middle ear. Its device allows you to convert the sound vibrations received from the eardrum and send them further - to the internal department.

Immediately behind the tympanic membrane, a small cavity opens (no more than 1 sq. cm), in which the auditory ossicles are located, forming a single mechanism: the stirrup, hammer and anvil. They very sensitively and subtly transmit sounds from the eardrum.

The lower part of the malleus is attached to the tympanic membrane, while the upper part is attached to the anvil. When sound travels through the outer ear and into the middle ear, its vibrations are transmitted to the malleus. He, in turn, reacts to them with his movement and beats his head on the anvil.

The anvil amplifies the incoming sound vibrations and transmits them to the stirrup associated with it. The latter closes the transition to the inner ear, and with its vibration transmits the received information further.

The structure of the ear and its functionality in this region is not limited to sound transmission. This is where the Eustachian tube connects the nasopharynx to the ear. Its main function is to equalize pressure in the ENT system.

The anatomy of the human ear becomes much more complicated towards the inner section. It continues the process of amplification of sound vibrations. Here, the processing of the received information by nerve receptors begins, which then transmit it to the brain.

The most complex part of the human ear in terms of structure and functionality is their inner section, located deep under the temporal bone. It consists of:

1. A labyrinth distinguished by the complexity of its construction. This element is divided into two sections - temporal and bone. The labyrinth, thanks to its winding passages, continues to amplify the vibrations that have entered the organ, increasing their intensity.
2. Semicircular tubules, which are presented in three types - lateral, anterior and posterior. They are filled with special lymphatic fluids that take on the vibrations that the labyrinth transmits to them.
3. Snails, also consisting of several components. The scala vestibule, scala tympani, duct and spiral organ serve to amplify the received vibrations, and the receptors located on the surface of this element transmit information about the flowing sound vibrations to the brain.

Some researchers believe that the brain, in turn, is able to influence the functioning of receptors located in the cochlea. When we need to concentrate on something and not be distracted by the noises around us, an “order” is sent to the nerve fibers, temporarily stopping their work.

In the normal operating mode, the vibrations that the stirrup transmits through the oval window pass through the labyrinth and are reflected in the lymphatic fluid. Her movements are picked up by receptors lining the surface of the cochlea. These fibers are multitype and each of them responds to a specific sound. These receptors convert the received sound vibrations into nerve impulses and transmit them directly to the brain, the processing circuit of what is heard at this stage is completed.

Getting into the ears of a person, the structure of which implies a qualitative amplification, even the quietest sound becomes available for brain analysis - therefore, we perceive whispers and rustles. Due to the multi-type receptors lining the cochlea, we can hear loud speech against the background of noise and enjoy music, recognizing the play of all instruments in it at the same time.

The inner ear contains the vestibular apparatus responsible for balance. It performs its functions around the clock and works even when we sleep. The constituent parts of this important organ act like communicating vessels, controlling our position in space.