Exercise 1-Jung Hwan

Auditory sense

How do we hear?
There are 3 parts to the ear which work together to help us detect and interpret sound

The Outer ear
Function: to collect sound and aid in sound localization

Known as the pinna or auricle, the visible portion of the ear gathers sound from the surrounding environment and sends it down the ear canal.

The Middle ear
Function: to transmit sounds from the outer to inner ear

The vibration of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) is transmitted to three small bones (malleus, incus, and stapes) that carry sound to the inner ear.

The Inner ear
Function: changes waves from mechanical to electrical energy.

Made-up of two main parts: the cochlea, a system of complex hair cells (sensory cells) and the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance. Tiny hair cells send impulses to the auditory nerve, which in turn sends it on to the brain for the final processing of the sound.

Information Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearing_(sense)
http://www.coolquiz.com/trivia/explain/docs/hearing.asp
http://www.myoan.net/facts/facts_hearing.html

Image:

http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/images/master-ear.jpg