NSG 3336 Lecture Notes - Lecture 46: Vestibulocochlear Nerve, Ear Canal, Semicircular Canals
Document Summary
Three parts of the war that work together to allow hearing and process of sound. Cranial nerve viii (vestibulocochlear) is responsible for transmitting sound and equilibrium information from inner ear to the brain. External ear = pinna, mastoid process, and external auditory canal, and the major function of this portion of the ear is to funnel sound waves. Mastoid process > part of skull made of spongy bone that hold the cholera and inner ear portion embedded in it. External ear canals > directs sound waves to tympanic membrene. Contain glands that contain cerumen > lubricates and protects the ear by forming a sticky barrier that helps prevent foreign bodies from reaching the tympanic eardrum. Middle ear = tympanic membrane, ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes) and eustachian tube; functions as conducing sound waves from outer to inner ear, protecting inner ear from loud sounds, and equalizing pressure in middle ear. Tympanic membrane = separates external from middle ear.
