Which part of the ear picks up vibrations from the atmosphere?

• A. Tympanic membrane (eardrum)
• B. Semicircular canals
• C. Cochlea
• D. Auditory nerve

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the anatomy of the ear. The ear is divided into three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Each part has specific functions in the process of hearing.
2. Step 2: Focus on the outer ear and middle ear. The outer ear collects sound waves and directs them toward the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The tympanic membrane is a thin, flexible structure that vibrates in response to sound waves.
3. Step 3: Recognize the role of the tympanic membrane. It is the part of the ear that picks up vibrations from the atmosphere and converts them into mechanical vibrations that are transmitted to the middle ear.
4. Step 4: Differentiate the other options provided in the question. The semicircular canals are part of the inner ear and are involved in balance, not hearing. The cochlea is also part of the inner ear and is responsible for converting mechanical vibrations into neural signals. The auditory nerve transmits these neural signals to the brain.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the tympanic membrane (eardrum), as it is the structure responsible for picking up vibrations from the atmosphere.