Question
Discuss the process of hearing in man.
Answer
The funnel-shaped pinna collects sound waves and directs them toward the auditory meatus/ear drum. The ear drum vibrates, transforming sound waves into vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted to the ear ossicles, where they are amplified and then sent to the oval window. Vibrations from the oval window create pressure waves in the fluid (perilymph) within the cochlea. The movement of fluid in the cochlea stimulates sensory hairs, generating an impulse. This impulse is then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve for interpretation, including aspects such as pitch, intensity, and direction of sound.
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