Auditory tube
The auditory tube or Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the pharynx (throat).
Auricle
The visible part of the ear that is outside the head.
Cochlea
The snail-shaped part of the middle ear that has hearing receptors.
Eardrum
Thin membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear.
External acoustic meatus
A tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear that is also known as ear canal.
Incus
One of the three auditory ossicles in the middle ear. This anvil-shaped small bone receives vibrations from the malleus and transmits these to the stapes.
Malleus
One of the three auditory ossicles in the middle ear. This hammer-shaped small bone transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum to the incus.
Semicircular canals
Tubular structure in the inner ear that houses receptors for sensing rotation and orientation of the head.
Stapes
One of the three auditory ossicles in the middle ear. Vibrations of this stirrup-shaped small bone move fluid in the cochlea, which stimulates the hearing receptors.
Tympanic cavity
Small air filled space that lies beyond the ear drum. Its surrounds the bones in the middle ear.
Vestibulocochlear nerve
A cranial nerve that transmits sound and equilibrium information from the inner ear to the brain.