Question

Given below is the diagram of the human ear. Study the diagram and then answer the questions that follow:

(i) What role does the eardrum play in hearing?
(ii) What common term is given to the parts labeled A, B, and E?
(iii) Would there be any difference if these three parts mentioned in (ii) above were replaced by one by one? Why?
(iv) Give the biological term for the parts labeled C and D.
(v) Name the fluid which fills the parts mentioned in (iv) above.
(vi) State the functions of the ear.

Answer 1

(i) The eardrum is vibrated by sound waves and passes them to the internal ear.
(ii) Ear ossicles.
(iii) One big ossicle would not be able to produce effective amplification because it would require a greater force of vibration that supplied by the eardrum normally. Moreover, three smaller ossicles with proper distance between their produce multiple amplification and effective transmission.
(iv) C is semi-circular canals and D is the cochlea.
(v) Endolymph.
(vi) Hearing and balancing of the body.