Anatomy of the Ear

Dr. Michael Burnett Specializes in Problems of the Ear, Nose, Sinuses and Throat.

An ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) is a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. They have special expertise in managing diseases of the ears, nose and nasal passage sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. ENT is the oldest medical specialty in the United States.

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The anatomy of the human ear consists of three parts: the outer, middle, and inner. These three parts involve the functioning of different systems, most importantly, the nervous system. All these parts of the ear work altogether, from detecting sound to conveying the message to the brain. One of the essential functions of the ear is to help maintain the balance of the body.

Anatomy of the Ear | ENT Information
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The human ear has the following parts:

1. The Outer Ear

The outer ear includes the auricle, auditory canal, and ear drum.

Function

The outer ear receives the sound waves from external sources and passes them through the auditory canal, also known as the ear canal. Passing through the eardrum, the sound waves strike the ear drum.

2. The Middle Layer

It starts with the eardrum and ends on the ossicles. Between these two parts, a cavity is presently called the tympanic cavity.

Three tiny bones are attached to the ossicles: malleus, incus, and stapes.

Function

The middle ear performs a critical function that converts the sound vibrations into fluid vibrations. The three tiny bones attached to the ossicles amplify the sound waves that help transmit them to the brain.

3. The Inner Ear

It includes the cochlea, oval window, semicircular ducts, and auditory tube. The window is the medium that connects the middle layer to the inner ear.

Function

The semicircular ducts contain a fluid. This fluid assist aids in sending information to the brain regarding balancing and head position. The cochlea is a spiral shape part in the inner ear that transforms vibrations into signals.

The auditory tube is responsible for draining fluids from the inner ear to the throat.

The Hearing Mechanism

It all starts with the outer ear as it receives sound waves from its surroundings. The sound waves travel through the external auditory canal and receive by the eardrum, which is the tympanic membrane.

As the eardrum vibrates, the vibrations travel to the ossicles where the three tiny bones are present, amplifying the sound waves. The sound waves are then sent into the inner ear, where the cochlea transforms these vibrations into signals that the brain reads.

Common Ear Infections And Illnesses

You cannot clearly say what causes ear problems as ears are related to the nose, throat, nasal, and sinus cavities. All these other parts can be a possible reason for an ear infection. Some of the diseases that the human ear counters with are:

Common ear infections: Usually common in children and babies, and most often these infections heal on their own.
Ear wax: This condition occurs to the accumulation of excessive ear wax, which results in blockage of the ear.
Earaches: Common in all ages and usually occur for various reasons. We need to find out what is causing them and treat them accordingly.
Hearing loss: If it is temporary, it is due to any blockage in the ear canal. Avoid hearing loud noises to protect yourself from permanent hearing ability.
Otitis media: This is an infection related to the middle ear. It usually disappears on its own but requires treatment if it gets severe.
Tinnitus: A feeling of ringing and whistling in the ear. It happens in one or sometimes in both ears.

Anatomy of the Ear | Best ENT NYC
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