Sound waves hitting the eardrum set it into motion. Trace the pathway of vibrations from the eardrum to the spiral organ of Corti, where the hair cells are stimulated.

Sounds entering the external acoustic meatus are eventually converted to nerve impulses via a chain of events including:

a. Vibration of the eardrum

b. Vibratory motion of the ossicles against the oval window

c. Stimulation of hair cells in the spiral organ of Corti

d. Resonance of the cupula

Normal balance depends on information transmitted from a number of sensory receptor types. Name at least three of these receptors.

Name the structures of the outer, middle, and inner ears, and give the general function of each structure and each group of structures.

Movement of which structure triggers the bending of hairs of the hair cells in the spiral organ of Corti?

For each of the following descriptions, indicate whether it applies to a macula or a crista ampullaris: inside a semicircular canal; contains otoliths; responds to linear acceleration and deceleration; has a cupula; responds to rotational acceleration and deceleration; inside the vestibule.

Sylvia Marcus, age 70, recently had surgery for otosclerosis. The operation was a failure and did not improve her condition. What was the purpose of the surgery, and exactly what was it trying to accomplish?