Hearing Loss Ear Anatomy and Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which structure separates the outer ear from the middle ear?
- Tympanic membrane (Correct answer)
- Oval window
- Round window
- Eustachian tube
Correct answer: Tympanic membrane
The tympanic membrane (eardrum) divides the external auditory canal from the middle ear cavity.
Question 2: What is the primary function of the pinna (auricle)?
- Producing earwax
- Collecting and funneling sound waves (Correct answer)
- Amplifying nerve signals
- Maintaining balance
Correct answer: Collecting and funneling sound waves
The pinna gathers sound waves and directs them into the ear canal toward the eardrum.
Question 3: Which fluid fills the cochlear duct (scala media)?
- Perilymph
- Endolymph (Correct answer)
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Plasma
Correct answer: Endolymph
Endolymph, high in potassium, fills the scala media and bathes the hair cells of the organ of Corti.
Question 4: The stapes transmits vibrations to the inner ear by pushing against which structure?
- Round window
- Oval window (Correct answer)
- Tympanic membrane
- Helicotrema
Correct answer: Oval window
The stapes footplate presses on the oval window, sending vibrations into the cochlear fluids.
Question 5: Which cells in the organ of Corti convert mechanical vibration into electrical signals?
- Schwann cells
- Hair cells (Correct answer)
- Goblet cells
- Osteocytes
Correct answer: Hair cells
Hair cells bend their stereocilia in response to vibration and trigger nerve impulses.
Question 6: What is the role of the Eustachian tube?
- Equalizing middle ear pressure with the atmosphere (Correct answer)
- Producing endolymph
- Detecting head rotation
- Amplifying high frequencies
Correct answer: Equalizing middle ear pressure with the atmosphere
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and equalizes pressure.
Question 7: Which cranial nerve carries auditory information to the brain?
- Trigeminal (V)
- Facial (VII)
- Vestibulocochlear (VIII) (Correct answer)
- Glossopharyngeal (IX)
Correct answer: Vestibulocochlear (VIII)
The cochlear branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) transmits sound signals to the brainstem.
Hearing Loss Ear Anatomy and Physiology 2
Which structure separates the outer ear from the middle ear?