10.
The tympanic membrane separates the external ear from the
ear. The
tympanic membrane mechanically oscillates in response to
e
s from the
outside.
The air of the middle ear cavity is continuous with the air of the surrounding
environment, due to the
y tube. The auditory tube serves to equalize the air
pressures on the two sides of the
c membrane. Extreme pressure differences
cause severe
n. The passage of the auditory tube into the nasopharynx opens
when one
s.
Mechanical oscillations are transmitted from the tympanic membrane to the oval
window by way of the
y
cles. The intensity of these mechanical
oscillations is somewhat controlled by the auditory
s.
11.
The mechanical, plunger-like actions of the stapes impart pressure pulses to the
ph.
The basilar membrane is made up of transverse fibers. Acting like the strings of
an instrument, the individual fibers mechanically v
e in response to specific
cies of pulses in the perilymph.
When the basilar membrane vibrates, the
cells of the organ of Corti are
mechanically d
ed so that the associated neuron is stimulated.
12.
The "blocks" of the human body can be arranged in many patterns called
s. The input systems by which the brain monitors these patterns are
together known as the
l
y sense.
13.
The maculae are particularly sensitive to small changes in the orientation of the
head from an
t position. Thus, the maculae help us maintain a
ding or
t position.
14.
The cristae detect
n of the head, that is,
r
y.
15.
Additional inputs for the general body sense include the proprioceptive sense,
which monitors the
s of the body, and various other receptors associated with
structures such as the joint
s and the
t. A very important body
sense is
n.
MD0007
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