What are the three major structures that compose the ear?

Answer 1

The three major structures that make up the ear are:

The outer ear that is composed of the pinna (auricle) and the external auditory meatus (EAM), or ear canal. The pinna is what we call "the ear." The pinna collects sound that is processed in the middle ear and cochla. Cartilage provides a framework for the pinna. The external auditory meatus (EAM) is the external ear canal. The EAM and cochlea are both resonating cavities that contribute to hearing. The tympanic membrane or eardrum is located at the end of the EAM.

The middle ear contains the ossicles, which are the three smallest bones in the body. The ossicular chain houses the malleus, the incus, and the stapes. The malleus is the largest of the ossicles. This bone provides the point of attachment to the tympanic membrane. The incus is shaped like an anvil. It provides the intermediate link of the ossicular chain. The stapes, or stirrup, is the third bone of the ossicular chain. It is involved in transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the oval window.

The inner ear, which houses the vestibular system and the cochlea. The vestibular system contains sensors for balance, while the cochlea contains sensors for hearing. Important structures housed within the inner ear include the osseous vestibule, the osseous semicircular canals, the osseous cochlear labyrinth, and the membranous labyrinth. The vestibule provides the entrance to these structures.