As sound waves travel into the ear, they pass from the auditory canal to the:

• A. Tympanic membrane (eardrum)
• B. Oval window
• C. Cochlea
• D. Semicircular canals

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the anatomy of the human ear: The ear is divided into three main parts—outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Sound waves travel through these parts in a specific sequence.
2. Identify the role of the auditory canal: The auditory canal is part of the outer ear and serves as a passageway for sound waves to reach the next structure.
3. Recognize the tympanic membrane (eardrum): The tympanic membrane is located at the end of the auditory canal and vibrates in response to sound waves, converting them into mechanical vibrations.
4. Clarify the sequence of sound wave transmission: After the tympanic membrane, vibrations are transmitted to the ossicles in the middle ear, then to the oval window, and finally to the cochlea in the inner ear.
5. Eliminate incorrect options: The oval window, cochlea, and semicircular canals are all part of the inner ear and come after the tympanic membrane in the sequence of sound wave transmission.