Expérience publique

Ear Cross Section

A cross section of the ear reveals its three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear collects sound waves, which travel through the ear canal to the eardrum. In the middle ear, the eardrum vibrates and transfers sound to the three tiny bones (ossicles). These bones amplify and transmit the sound to the inner ear. The inner ear contains the cochlea for hearing and the vestibular system for balance. Hair cells in the cochlea convert sound into electrical signals, while the vestibular system detects movement and maintains balance.