Anatomy Of The Ear

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Kelsey.wickre
K
Kelsey.wickre
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 9,653
| Attempts: 9,410
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/31 Questions

    This collects acoustic sounds and funnels it to the eardrum...

    • Inner ear
    • Middle ear
    • Outer ear
Please wait...
About This Quiz

Let’s kill two birds with one stone in this “Anatomia: Torax” quiz by testing your knowledge of the Spanish language as well as your knowledge on the chest within the study of anatomy. What can you tell us about the likes of the spine, the bronchus and much more? Let’s find out.

Anatomy Of The Ear - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    The opening in the labyrinthine wall of the ME space, leading into the scala vestibuli of the cochlea, into which the footplate of the stapes fits is

    Explanation
    The opening in the labyrinthine wall of the ME space that connects to the scala vestibuli of the cochlea is called the oval window. The footplate of the stapes, one of the three tiny bones in the middle ear, fits into this oval window. This connection allows sound vibrations to be transmitted from the middle ear to the fluid-filled cochlea, where they are converted into electrical signals for the brain to interpret as sound.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    What is a concave, disk-like structure with invaginated portion pointed in toward the middle ear space?

    • Mastoid

    • Stapes

    • Tympanic membrane

    • Scala vestibuli

    Correct Answer
    A. Tympanic membrane
    Explanation
    The tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, is a concave, disk-like structure with an invaginated portion pointed in toward the middle ear space. It separates the external ear from the middle ear and plays a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    Higher stiffness equals

    • Higher frequency

    • Lower frequency

    Correct Answer
    A. Higher frequency
    Explanation
    Stiffness refers to the resistance of an object to deformation. When an object has higher stiffness, it means that it is harder to deform or bend. In the context of frequency, higher stiffness results in a higher frequency. This is because when an object is stiffer, it vibrates more quickly, leading to a higher frequency of oscillation. Therefore, higher stiffness is directly related to a higher frequency.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    Largest bone in the ME

    Correct Answer
    malleus
    Explanation
    The malleus is the largest bone in the middle ear. It is one of the three tiny bones called ossicles that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The malleus is commonly referred to as the hammer due to its shape. It is attached to the eardrum on one end and connects to the incus bone on the other end. Together with the incus and stapes bones, the malleus plays a crucial role in the amplification and transmission of sound waves in the ear.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    What is the auditory portion of the inner ear?

    Correct Answer
    cochlea
    Explanation
    The cochlea is the auditory portion of the inner ear. It is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure that is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The cochlea contains tiny hair cells that are sensitive to different frequencies of sound, allowing us to perceive and distinguish various pitches and tones.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    Higher mass equals

    • Higher frequency

    • Lower frequency

    Correct Answer
    A. Lower frequency
    Explanation
    According to the relationship between mass and frequency in physics, higher mass objects have a lower frequency. This is because frequency is inversely proportional to mass. As the mass of an object increases, its ability to vibrate or oscillate decreases, resulting in a lower frequency. Therefore, higher mass objects tend to have lower frequencies.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    What are the functions of the middle ear?

    • Amplification, Protection, Impedance matching

    • Protection, Impedance matching, Pressure Equalization

    • Protection, Localization, Impedance matching

    Correct Answer
    A. Protection, Impedance matching, Pressure Equalization
    Explanation
    The middle ear has several functions. One of its main functions is protection, as it helps to protect the delicate structures of the inner ear from damage. It also plays a role in impedance matching, which means it helps to match the impedance of sound waves traveling from the air-filled outer ear to the fluid-filled inner ear. Additionally, the middle ear is responsible for pressure equalization, ensuring that the pressure on both sides of the eardrum is balanced.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    What is the structure comprising of the sensory organs for hearing and balance?

    • Tympanic membrane

    • Middle ear

    • Inner ear

    Correct Answer
    A. Inner ear
    Explanation
    The inner ear is the correct answer because it is the structure that houses the sensory organs responsible for both hearing and balance. It contains the cochlea, which is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain, and the vestibular system, which helps maintain balance and spatial orientation. The tympanic membrane and middle ear are also involved in the process of hearing, but they are not specifically responsible for balance.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    What are the 3 functions of the external ear?

    • Impedance matching, Localization, Protection

    • Protection, Amplification, Localization

    • Protection, Amplification, Pressure Equalization

    Correct Answer
    A. Protection, Amplification, Localization
    Explanation
    The external ear serves three main functions. Firstly, it provides protection by acting as a physical barrier, preventing foreign objects from entering the ear canal. Secondly, it helps in amplifying sound by collecting and funneling sound waves into the ear canal. Lastly, it aids in localization, allowing us to determine the direction from which a sound is coming by utilizing the shape and position of the external ear.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    The passageway leading from the nasopharynx to the anterior wall of the ME is

    Correct Answer
    Eustachian tube
    Explanation
    The passageway leading from the nasopharynx to the anterior wall of the middle ear is the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube serves as a connection between the middle ear and the back of the throat, allowing for equalization of pressure on both sides of the eardrum. It helps to regulate air pressure in the middle ear and prevents the buildup of fluid or infection.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    The base of the cochlea deals with...

    • High frequencies

    • Low frequencies

    Correct Answer
    A. High frequencies
    Explanation
    The base of the cochlea is responsible for processing high frequencies. This is because the cochlea is organized tonotopically, meaning that different regions of the cochlea respond to different frequencies. The base of the cochlea, which is closer to the oval window, is narrower and stiffer, allowing it to respond to high-frequency sounds. In contrast, the apex of the cochlea, which is wider and more flexible, responds to low-frequency sounds. Therefore, the base of the cochlea is specialized for processing high frequencies.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    The Eustachian tube is usually

    Correct Answer
    closed
    Explanation
    The Eustachian tube is typically closed to prevent the backflow of air and other substances from the throat into the middle ear. This closure helps to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum, ensuring proper hearing and preventing damage to the delicate structures of the middle ear. When the Eustachian tube is closed, it also helps to protect the middle ear from infections and bacteria that may be present in the throat.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    The base of the basilar membrane is for

    • High frequencies

    • Low frequencies

    Correct Answer
    A. High frequencies
    Explanation
    The base of the basilar membrane is responsible for processing high frequencies. This is because the basilar membrane is organized tonotopically, meaning that different regions of the membrane are sensitive to different frequencies. The base of the membrane is narrower and stiffer, allowing it to vibrate faster and respond to higher frequency sounds. In contrast, the apex of the membrane is wider and more flexible, making it better suited for processing lower frequency sounds. Therefore, the correct answer is high frequencies.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    A small air filled cavity lined with a mucous membrane....

    Correct Answer
    middle ear
    Explanation
    The middle ear is a small air-filled cavity lined with a mucous membrane. It is located between the outer ear and the inner ear. This cavity is important for transmitting sound waves from the outer ear to the inner ear. It contains three small bones called the ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes) that amplify and transmit sound vibrations. The mucous membrane helps to protect and lubricate the middle ear, ensuring proper functioning of the ossicles and maintaining optimal hearing.

    Rate this question:

  • 16. 

    Which is filled with endolymph?

    • Scala vestibuli

    • Scala tympani

    • Scala media

    Correct Answer
    A. Scala media
    Explanation
    The scala media is filled with endolymph. This is the middle chamber of the cochlea in the inner ear, located between the scala vestibuli and scala tympani. It contains the organ of Corti, which is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The endolymph within the scala media plays a crucial role in transmitting these signals and maintaining the proper functioning of the auditory system.

    Rate this question:

  • 17. 

    Perilymph is not only similar to CSF, but also...

    • High in potassium

    • High in sodium

    Correct Answer
    A. High in sodium
    Explanation
    Perilymph is a fluid found in the inner ear, and it is similar to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In addition to this similarity, perilymph is also high in sodium. This means that it contains a relatively high concentration of sodium ions.

    Rate this question:

  • 18. 

    What is the membrane covered opening in the labyrinthine wall of the ME space, leading in the scala tympani?

    • Oval window

    • Round window

    • Scala media

    Correct Answer
    A. Round window
    Explanation
    The round window is the correct answer because it is the membrane-covered opening in the labyrinthine wall of the ME space that leads into the scala tympani. The scala tympani is one of the three fluid-filled chambers of the cochlea, and the round window allows for the movement of fluid within the cochlea, helping to maintain proper pressure and function of the inner ear.

    Rate this question:

  • 19. 

    What is the most severe type of hearing loss you can get from cerumen impaction?

    • Severe sensorineural

    • Moderate conductive

    • Severe conductive

    • Profound conductive

    Correct Answer
    A. Moderate conductive
    Explanation
    The most severe type of hearing loss you can get from cerumen impaction is moderate conductive. This means that there is a blockage in the ear canal, preventing sound from reaching the middle ear. While severe conductive and profound conductive hearing loss can also occur due to cerumen impaction, moderate conductive is considered the most severe because it indicates a significant reduction in hearing ability. Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, is not caused by cerumen impaction and is therefore not the correct answer.

    Rate this question:

  • 20. 

    How many rows of outer hair cells are there? Totally in what?

    • 5 or 6, totaling in 12,000

    • 3 or 4, totaling in 13,000

    • 3 or 4, totaling in 12,000

    • 5 or 6, totaling in 3,500

    • 3 or 4, totaling in 3,500

    Correct Answer
    A. 3 or 4, totaling in 12,000
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 3 or 4, totaling in 12,000. This means that there are either 3 or 4 rows of outer hair cells in total, and the total number of these cells is 12,000.

    Rate this question:

  • 21. 

    What is the ring-shaped ligament that holds the footplate of the stapes in the oval window?

    • Axial ligament

    • Tensor tympani

    • Annular ligament

    • Stapedius

    Correct Answer
    A. Annular ligament
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the annular ligament. The annular ligament is a ring-shaped ligament that holds the footplate of the stapes bone in place within the oval window of the inner ear. It helps to transmit sound vibrations from the middle ear to the inner ear, allowing for proper hearing function. The other options, axial ligament, tensor tympani, and stapedius, are not specifically related to the ring-shaped ligament that holds the footplate of the stapes in the oval window.

    Rate this question:

  • 22. 

    What do the axial ligaments do?

    • Hold the footplate of the stapes

    • Pulls malleus medially and anteriorly, tensing the TM

    • Suspends the ossicles in the tympanic cavity

    • Pulls stapes in a posterior direction

    Correct Answer
    A. Suspends the ossicles in the tympanic cavity
    Explanation
    The axial ligaments are responsible for suspending the ossicles in the tympanic cavity. These ligaments provide support and stability to the small bones of the middle ear, allowing them to vibrate in response to sound waves. By suspending the ossicles, the axial ligaments ensure proper transmission of sound from the eardrum to the inner ear.

    Rate this question:

  • 23. 

    The area difference btwn the TM and footplate of the stapes is...

    • 17:1

    • 13:1

    • 20:1

    • 30:1

    Correct Answer
    A. 17:1
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 17:1. This ratio suggests that the area of the TM (tympanic membrane) is 17 times larger than the area of the footplate of the stapes. This difference in area is important for the efficient transmission of sound waves from the TM to the inner ear. The larger surface area of the TM allows it to capture more sound energy, which is then amplified by the smaller footplate of the stapes before being transmitted to the cochlea.

    Rate this question:

  • 24. 

    The ratio of the lever action of the ossicular chain is

    Correct Answer
    13:1
    Explanation
    The ratio of the lever action of the ossicular chain is 13:1, indicating that there is a significant difference in the lever arm lengths between the two sides. This suggests that one side of the ossicular chain has a much longer lever arm compared to the other side. This difference in lever arm lengths can affect the mechanical advantage of the ossicular chain, potentially leading to differences in sound transmission and hearing ability between the two sides.

    Rate this question:

  • 25. 

    The acoustic reflex can reduce how many decibels of loud sounds?

    • 70-80

    • 50-60

    • 10-30

    • 20-40

    Correct Answer
    A. 10-30
    Explanation
    The acoustic reflex can reduce loud sounds by 10-30 decibels. This reflex is a protective mechanism of the middle ear that occurs in response to loud sounds. When the reflex is activated, the muscles in the middle ear contract, which reduces the transmission of sound vibrations to the inner ear. This helps to protect the delicate structures of the inner ear from potential damage caused by loud noises.

    Rate this question:

  • 26. 

    How does the ME protect?

    Correct Answer
    acoustic reflex
    Explanation
    The acoustic reflex is a mechanism that helps protect the middle ear from damage caused by loud sounds. When a loud sound is detected, the muscles in the middle ear contract, which reduces the transmission of sound vibrations to the inner ear. This reflex helps prevent the inner ear from being overwhelmed by loud sounds and potentially being damaged.

    Rate this question:

  • 27. 

    If fluid builds up in the ear, what happens?

    Correct Answer
    increase in mass
    Explanation
    When fluid builds up in the ear, it causes an increase in mass. This is because the fluid adds additional weight to the ear, making it heavier than before. The increased mass can affect the balance and equilibrium of the ear, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty hearing. It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent further complications and restore normal ear function.

    Rate this question:

  • 28. 

    What are cell bodies of the auditory nerve fibers that innervate the inner and outer hair cells clustered in the modiolus?

    Correct Answer
    spiral ganglia
    Explanation
    The cell bodies of the auditory nerve fibers that innervate the inner and outer hair cells clustered in the modiolus are known as spiral ganglia. These ganglia are located in the cochlea of the inner ear and play a crucial role in transmitting auditory information from the hair cells to the brain. They receive signals from the hair cells and convert them into electrical impulses that can be understood by the brain, allowing us to perceive sound.

    Rate this question:

  • 29. 

    How many decibels does the ME compensate for?

    Correct Answer
    33 dB
    Explanation
    The ME compensates for 33 decibels.

    Rate this question:

  • 30. 

    Where are the ME and IE housed?

    Correct Answer
    petrous portion of the temporal bone
    Explanation
    The ME (Middle Ear) and IE (Inner Ear) are housed in the petrous portion of the temporal bone. This bone is located on the side of the skull, near the ear. It is a dense and hard bone that protects the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear. The petrous portion of the temporal bone contains important structures such as the ossicles (bones of the middle ear) and the cochlea (part of the inner ear responsible for hearing).

    Rate this question:

  • 31. 

    What is the order of the TM layers, outer to inner?

    Correct Answer
    Epithelial, fibrous, mucousal
    Explanation
    The order of the TM layers, outer to inner, is epithelial, fibrous, and mucousal. The epithelial layer is the outermost layer of the TM, providing protection and acting as a barrier against external factors. The fibrous layer is located beneath the epithelial layer and consists of collagen fibers, providing structural support to the TM. Finally, the mucousal layer is the innermost layer of the TM, which contains mucous-secreting cells that help to keep the TM moist and prevent it from drying out.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 22, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 31, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Kelsey.wickre