Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The ears are sensory organs responsible for detecting and processing sound. They consist of three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.
Related terms
Auditory Canal: The passageway in the outer ear that directs sound waves towards the middle ear.
A spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.
Tympanic Membrane (eardrum): A thin membrane located between the outer and middle ear that vibrates when struck by sound waves, transmitting those vibrations to the inner ear.