IV.C.6 Head: The Hearing Mechanism Page 1 of 4

Objectives:

4.6.1 Identify components of the hearing mechanism.

4.6.2 Describe the relationship to facial nerve and the corda tympani to the inner ear.

4.6.3 Describe the function and innervation of the tensor tympani and the stapedius muscles.

4.6.4 Discuss the nerves that carry pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers through the temporal bone.

Assigned Readings:

Moore's COA: Pages 975-981. See the blue boxes on page 988 for clinical correlations. See the yellow boxes on pages 988-989 for "The Bottom Line."

Neuroanatomy page: 62, 538.

Step 1: Begin with the right side. of the cadaver's head.

The middle ear contains the components that convert vibration to nervous system impulses.

	What are the names of these components?
Tympanic membrane, malleus, incus, and stapes.

The stapes attaches to the oval window, which transmits vibration to the cochlear system.

Atmospheric equilibrium is maintained via the pharyngotympanic tube which connects the inner ear to the pharynx.