The Ears Have It! Trivia Quiz

Answer: pinna

The pinna is also called the auricle. It is part of the outer ear and directs sound into the ear canal.

Answer: tympanic membrane

The tympanic membrane, which is also called the eardrum, is a thin layer of tissue that divides the outer ear from the middle ear. When a sound wave is passed through the outer ear, the eardrum vibrates, which then triggers the bones of the middle ear.

Answer: cerumen

Cerumen, which is commonly called earwax, is made by ceruminous and sebaceous glands and acts as a cleanser to keep the ear canal from drying out. Because it is sticky, dust and grime become entrapped in it. It is then passed out of the ear canal when you bathe.

Answer: cochlea

The cochlea is a snail shaped organ that contains three chambers. These chambers are filled with fluid called perilymph. The Organ of Corti, which is found in the cochlear duct, contains microscopic hairs called cilia. When a sound vibration is sent to the cochlea, fluid causes the cilia to move.

This movement causes sound vibrations to be converted to nerve impulses that are then sent to the brain.

Answer: malleus

The malleus is one of the three bones found in the middle ear. It is shaped like a hammer or mallet. It is situated between the eardrum, or tympanic membrane, and the incus which is connected to the stapes. These bones work as a tag team to transmit vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the cochlea.

Answer: semi-circular canals

The semi-circular canals are attached to the cochlea. They are filled with fluid and contain microscopic hairs which senses the movement of your head. As you move around, the liquid moves the cilia that triggers messages to the brain in which the brain dictates balance.

Answer: ear canal

The ear canal is between the pinna and the tympanic membrane. It has two parts. The exterior auditory meatus ends at the tympanic membrane and the interior auditory canal contains nerves.

Answer: Eustachian tube

The Eustachian tube is a canal that links the middle ear to the rear of the nose. It functions as an outlet for mucus into the nasopharynx which helps prevent infections of the middle ear. The tube opens and closes allowing for the same air pressure inside the middle ear and the outside of your body.

Answer: acoustic nerve

The acoustic nerve teams up with the auditory cortex which is in the brain. When the cilia in the cochlea move, it causes the acoustic nerve to send messages to the brain which is then sorted and analyzed into sounds.

Answer: fenestra ovalis

The fenestra ovalis, or oval window, is a small membrane that covers the cochlea. The stapes, which is a small bone in the ear, is linked to the fenestra ovalis. When the stapes pulsates, it puts stress on the oval window.