The tympanic membrane, or eardrum, is a structure that separates the external and middle parts of the ear (see the figure). It is sensitive to and vibrates in response to changes in air pressure and transmits these vibrations to other structures in the inner ear that lead to the sensation of hearing. Under normal conditions, the pressure on the inside and outside of the tympanic membrane are kept approximately equal. The auditory tube, also called the Eustachian tube, is responsible for this equilibration. However, rapid changes in external pressure can cause large pressure differentials on the tympanic membrane, causing it to rupture. A differential force across the eardrum membrane as little as 5.0 N can cause a rupture. (a) If the cross-sectional area of the membrane is 1.0 cm², what is the maximum tolerable pressure difference between the external and inner ear? (b) Based on your answer in part (a), to what maximum depth could a person dive in fresh water before rupturing an eardrum? Experienced divers can actually go much deeper than the answer to (b) by using techniques to equilibrate the pressure on the inside and outside of the membrane as they dive. Auricle Elastic cartilages Auditory ossicles Semicircular canals Vestibule Tympanic Oval window Vestibulocochlear nerve Cochlea Round window. Auditory tube

The tympanic membrane, or eardrum, is a structure that separates the external and middle parts of the ear (see the figure). It is sensitive to and vibrates in response to changes in air pressure and transmits these vibrations to other structures in the inner ear that lead to the sensation of hearing. Under normal conditions, the pressure on the inside and outside of the tympanic membrane are kept approximately equal. The auditory tube, also called the Eustachian tube, is responsible for this equilibration. However, rapid changes in external pressure can cause large pressure differentials on the tympanic membrane, causing it to rupture. A differential force across the eardrum membrane as little as 5.0 N can cause a rupture. (a) If the cross-sectional area of the membrane is 1.0 cm², what is the maximum tolerable pressure difference between the external and inner ear? (b) Based on your answer in part (a), to what maximum depth could a person dive in fresh water before rupturing an eardrum? Experienced divers can actually go much deeper than the answer to (b) by using techniques to equilibrate the pressure on the inside and outside of the membrane as they dive. Auricle Elastic cartilages Auditory ossicles Semicircular canals Vestibule Tympanic Oval window Vestibulocochlear nerve Cochlea Round window. Auditory tube