|
Diagram 1
The outer ear gathers soundwaves and directs them through the ear canal. |
|
Diagram 2
Soundwaves vibrate the eardrum, where the ossicles (middle ear bones) transmit the vibrations the the inner ear. |
|
Diagram 3
Inside the inner ear, the cochlea, a spiral structure, contains fluid and about 30,000 highly sensitive hair cells, which respond to frequency (pitch) and intensity (loudness) of sound. |
|
Diagram 4
Three rows of outer hair cells and one row of inner hair cells are connected to nerve fibers that translate sound as electrical signals to the brain. |
|
Diagram 5
Normal hair cells. |
|
Diagram 6
Hair cells as they appear after permanent damage by excessive intensity or loudness of sound. |
Watch a clip of this animated sequence (requires Windows Media Player)
For further information please contact the individuals below.
|