🥸intro to psychology review

key term - Incus

Definition

The incus, also known as the anvil, is one of the three small bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. It is the second of the three ossicles, situated between the malleus and the stapes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The incus is the middle bone of the three ossicles in the middle ear, connecting the malleus to the stapes.
  2. The incus acts as an anvil, receiving vibrations from the malleus and transmitting them to the stapes.
  3. The incus is the smallest and most delicate of the three ossicles, measuring only about 5-7 millimeters in length.
  4. The incus is held in place by ligaments and muscles, which allow it to pivot and amplify the sound vibrations.
  5. Damage or dislocation of the incus can lead to conductive hearing loss, as the sound vibrations are not properly transmitted to the inner ear.

Review Questions

  • Explain the role of the incus in the process of hearing.
    • The incus plays a crucial role in the hearing process by acting as the middle bone in the chain of ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes) that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the oval window of the inner ear. The incus receives the vibrations from the malleus and then transmits them to the stapes, which in turn transfers the vibrations to the oval window, initiating the process of sound perception in the inner ear.
  • Describe how the incus is connected to the other ossicles and how this connection facilitates the transmission of sound.
    • The incus is situated between the malleus and the stapes, forming a pivotal connection in the chain of ossicles. The malleus is connected to the eardrum and receives the initial sound vibrations, which are then passed on to the incus. The incus, acting as an anvil, amplifies these vibrations and transmits them to the stapes, the final bone in the chain. The articulations and ligaments that hold the ossicles in place allow the incus to pivot and facilitate the efficient transfer of sound vibrations from the eardrum to the oval window of the inner ear.
  • Analyze the potential consequences of a disruption or damage to the incus on the overall hearing process.
    • If the incus is damaged or dislocated, it can lead to a breakdown in the efficient transmission of sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. This disruption in the chain of ossicles can result in conductive hearing loss, where the sound waves are not properly conducted to the oval window and the inner ear structures. The incus, being the smallest and most delicate of the ossicles, is particularly vulnerable to injury or dislocation, which can impair its ability to pivot and amplify the sound vibrations. In such cases, the sound waves may not reach the inner ear with sufficient energy, leading to a diminished or distorted perception of sound, ultimately affecting the individual's overall hearing ability.