The structure that allows pressure in the middle ear to be equalized with atmospheric pressure is thea. pinna,b. pharyngotympanic tube,c. tympanic membrane,d. oval window.

Name the structures of the outer, middle, and inner ears, and give the general function of each structure and each group of structures.

Sylvia Marcus, age 70, recently had surgery for otosclerosis. The operation was a failure and did not improve her condition. What was the purpose of the surgery, and exactly what was it trying to accomplish?

Sound waves hitting the eardrum set it into motion. Trace the pathway of vibrations from the eardrum to the spiral organ of Corti, where the hair cells are stimulated.

Otoliths (ear stones) area. a cause of deafness,b. a type of hearing aid,c. important in equilibrium,d. the rock-hard petrous part of the temporal bones.

Which of the following is important in maintaining the balance of the body?a. visual cues,b. semicircular canals,c. the saccule,d. proprioceptors,e. all of these.

Juan tells his physician that he has been feeling dizzy, especially when he closes his eyes. He is asked to stand with his feet together and arms extended forward. As long as he keeps his eyes open, he exhibits very little movement. But when he closes his eyes, his body begins to sway a great deal, and his arms tend to drift together toward the left side of his body. Why does this occur?

Normal balance depends on information transmitted from a number of sensory receptor types. Name at least three of these receptors.

For each of the following descriptions, indicate whether it applies to a macula or a crista ampullaris: inside a semicircular canal; contains otoliths; responds to linear acceleration and deceleration; has a cupula; responds to rotational acceleration and deceleration; inside the vestibule.