Auditory system

• The auditory system is the sensory system our body uses for the sense of hearing.

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Hearing

The auditory system - anatomy

• The human ear is a complex and delicate organ which collects sound waves and helps in balance.

3 parts

• The outer ear and middle ear help collect and amplify sound.
• The inner ear converts sound waves to messages that are sent to the brain.
• The inner ear also senses the movement and position of your head and body so you can maintain your balance and see clearly, even when you change positions.
• The mastoid bone surrounds the middle ear.

Anatomy of the Human Ear

External ear

• The external ear collects sound waves.
• The ear canal carries sound waves to the eardrum.
• The eardrum vibrates from sound waves, setting the middle ear bones in motion.

Middle and inner ear

• The middle ear bones (ossicles) vibrate, transmitting sound waves to the inner ear.
• When the ear is healthy, air pressure remains balanced in the middle ear.
• The eustachian tube helps control air pressure in the middle ear.
• The semicircular canals help maintain balance.
• The vestibular nerve carries balance signals to the brain.
• The auditory nerve carries sound signals to the brain.
• The cochlea picks up sound waves and makes nerve signals.

See also

• Language processing in the brain
• Neuroscience of music
• Selective auditory attention

Auditory system Resources
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