1. The Outer Ear (Auricle):
- This is the visible part of the ear located on the side of the head.
- It consists of the earlobe and the curved structure known as the pinna or auricle.
- The pinna is responsible for collecting sound waves and directing them into the ear canal.
2. The Middle Ear (Tympanic Cavity):
- The middle ear is an air-filled cavity located behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
- It contains three small bones, called the malleus, incus, and stapes (commonly known as the "hammer," "anvil," and "stirrup").
- The middle ear acts as an amplifier by transmitting and transforming sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
3. The Inner Ear (Labyrinth):
- The inner ear is a complex, fluid-filled structure located deep within the temporal bone of the skull.
- It consists of two main parts: the cochlea and the vestibular system.
- The cochlea is responsible for hearing, as it contains the auditory receptors that convert sound waves into electrical signals.
- The vestibular system is involved in balance and spatial orientation, detecting head movements and sending signals to the brain.