Which one of the following is listed in the correct order?
auditory canal, ear drum, ear bones, cochlea
auditory canal, cochlea, ear bones, ear drum
ear drum, ear bones, cochlea, auditory canal
auditory canal, ear bones, ear drum, cochlea
To determine the correct order, we need to understand the anatomy of the ear. Here is a step-by-step explanation of each component:
1. Auditory canal: The auditory canal is a tube that carries sound waves from the outside environment to the middle ear.
2. Ear drum: Also known as the tympanic membrane, the ear drum is a thin, delicate layer of tissue that vibrates in response to sound waves. It separates the outer ear from the middle ear.
3. Ear bones: The three small bones in the middle ear are called the ossicles. They are named the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). These bones transmit and amplify sound vibrations from the ear drum to the inner ear.
4. Cochlea: The cochlea is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear. It contains thousands of tiny hair cells that convert sound vibrations into electrical signals, which are then sent to the brain for interpretation.
Considering this explanation, the correct order is "auditory canal, ear drum, ear bones, cochlea."