Chapter 10.1, Problem 4R

To determine

To Explain: Each section in the ear and its role in hearing.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The human ear can detect sound waves because of vibration of air in the eardrum. The human ear has two parts: the outer ear and the inner ear.

The outer ear has an ear canal at the end of an eardrum. When sound wave strikes the eardrum, the air present inside vibrates. The middle portion of the ear has tiny cells and bones. These tiny cells called cochlea have hair like structures on its surface. Due to vibration, these hairs get triggered and the cochlea cells send the signals of the sound to the brain through nerves. As soon as the brain receives the signal, the sound is heard.

Conclusion:

Hence, each portion of ear carries sound waves and sound is heard.