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Ear: 3 Components, Structure & Functions - Analyzing Sound Waves

Ear Structure & Functions

Ear is the organ of hearing and, in mammals, balance.

The ear՚s function is to transmit and transduce sound to the brain through the parts of the ear: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear

Each ear consists of three portions:

(i) External ear

(ii) Middle ear

(iii) Internal ear

Illustration: Ear Structure & Functions

Functions:

  • Mechanism of Hearing
  • Providing balance

Sound Wave Particle Displacement

  • Sound waves are longitudinal waves.
  • motion of air molecules associated with sound.
Illustration: Sound Wave Particle Displacement

Longitudinal Waves and Transverse Waves

  • Longitudinal wave: Wave in which particles of the medium move in a direction parallel to the direction that the wave moves.
  • Transverse waves: Always characterized by particle motion being perpendicular to wave movement.
Illustration: Longitudinal Waves and Transverse Waves
Illustration: Longitudinal Waves and Transverse Waves

Difference between Loudness, Pitch and Quality or Timbre

Illustration: Difference between Loudness, Pitch and Quality or Timbre

Process of Hearing Sound

  • Sound waves at different pressures vibrant eardrum.
  • Middle ear bones are set in motion.
  • Bones amplify (about ) .
  • Transmit sound to fluid of cochlea through oval window.
  • Cochlea transduces sound waves into action potentials.
Illustration: Process of Hearing Sound

✍ Manishika