BIOC32H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Middle Ear, Low Frequency, Cochlea
Document Summary
Vibration of eardrum causes vibration of the three bones. Stapes then vibrates against oval window, sort of like the tympanic membrane. Translating vibrations of tympanic membrane into oval window. In the inner ear there is fluid, and since it"s more viscous than air, it has to amplify so sufficient movement of fluid molecules so you can hear sound with sensitivity. If not sensitive then small vibrations of inner ear and so decreased sound. Malleus and incus form a type 1 lever. Mechanical advantage is the extent to which any force applied to this lever can be multiplied by the lever to some other kind of load here. If pushing against arm of lever, these two arms work together around fulcrum. Force multiplied around load so it can be applied with ease. The longer the effort arm, the more force multiplied, the shorter load arm.
