The Human Ear

Main Parts of the Ear Outer Ear Middle Ear Inner Ear

Outer Ear’s Job The main job of the outer ear is to collect sound from your surroundings.

Pinna: Outer Ear The pinna or auricle is the outer ear. This is the part of the ear people can see. If you have a your ears pierced, then this is the part of your ear that is pierced.

Ear Canal: Outer Ear The ear canal is where ear wax is produced. Ear wax is the yellowish liquid substance that we clean out of our ears with a q-tip.

Middle Ear’s Job The middle ear’s job is to take the sound waves the outer ear collects and turn them into vibrations. They then deliver the vibrations to the inner ear.

Ear Drum: Middle Ear The ear drum has a thin piece of skin that covers it tight like a drum. It separates the outer ear from the inner ear.

3 Middle Ear Bones: Middle Ear Mallus- the Latin word is “hammer” Incus- the Latin word is “anvil” Stapes- the Latin word is “stirrup” These bones help the sound waves travel to the inner ear.

Inner Ear’s Job The inner ear’s job is to send the sound waves to the nerves connected to the brain.

Cochlea: Inner Ear The cochlea is a curled tube that is filled with a liquid that begins to move when the vibrations hit the 3 tiny bones in the middle ear.