Distinguish between the major anatomical components of the outer, middle, and inner ear. Then trace the route of a sound from the external environment to the transducers in the inner ear.

1. Outer Ear: Pinna (the outer, funnel-like part), Ear Canal (Conducts sound vibrations from the pinna to the tympanic membrane), and Tympanic Membrane.

2. Middle Ear: Ossicles (Tiny bones that amplify sound waves), Malleus, Tensor Tympani, Incus (Connects the Malleus to the Stapes; receives vibrations from the Malleus and looks like an anvil), Stapes, Stapedius, Oval Window (Receives vibrations from the Stapes and is the flexible opening to the cochlea).

3. Inner Ear: Cochlea (The main structure in the inner ear; tiny coiled structure); Tympanic Canal, Vestibular Canal, Basilar Membrane, Cochlear Partition , Round Window Organ of Corti.

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Route of Sounds: External environment → Collected by the pinna → Through the ear canal → Vibrates the Tympanic Membrane → Vibrates the ossicles → Vibrates the Oval Window → Sends “Traveling Waves” through the Vestibular Canal → Pressure released by Round Window if necessary → Inner and Outer hair cells transduce the vibrations.