Diagram of Ear: Structure, Function, Parts

Introduction — Why Ear Diagram Is Important

The human ear is an organ that helps in hearing sounds and maintaining one's balance. Its main parts are the outer ear, which collects sounds; the middle ear, which amplifies sound; and the inner ear, which translates the sounds into signals to be understood by the brain. The inner ear also contains a system for helping us maintain our balance. All these work collectively to make us hear and stay steady on our feet.

Human Ear Diagram (Labelled Overview)

The labelled Diagram of the human ear is given below:

Description of Ear Diagram

• The pinna is the external part and collects the sound waves.

• The ear canal goes from the pinna to the eardrum.

• At the end of the ear canal, a thin membrane is represented as the eardrum.

• Represented behind the eardrum ossicles, which are malleus, incus, and stapes forming a chain in the middle ear.

• The cochlea is represented by a spiral structure in the inner ear.

• Semicircular canals as loop-like structures that lie beside the cochlea show the auditory nerve coming out of the cochlea indicating the auditory signals have passed through it to the brain.

External Ear

The external ear collects the sound waves and leads them into the ear canal.

Pinna (Auricle)

That projecting visible part of the ear which aids in collecting sound waves.

Ear Canal (External Auditory Meatus)

The tube that carries the sound waves to the eardrum.

Middle Ear

The middle ear amplifies sound waves and conducts them into the inner ear.

Eardrum (Tympanic Membrane)

A thin membrane that vibrates to the waves of sound.

Ossicles

Three very small bones, malleus, incus, and stapes, which amplify the vibration from the eardrum.

Inner Ear

These waves are then translated by the inner ear into electrical impulses that will then be passed to the auditory nerve and are also responsible for balance.

Cochlea

Spirally-ended organs with hair cells that convert sound into nerve impulses.

Semicircular Canals

Loop-like structures that maintain balance and spatial orientation.

Auditory Nerve

Carries impulses from cochlea to brain.

Human Ear Diagram NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Structure of the human ear

• Diagram of the human ear

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. The supportive skeletal structures in the human external ears and in the nose tip are examples of:

1. Areolar tissue

2. Bone

3. Cartilage

4. Ligament

Correct answer: 1) Cartilage

Explanation:

Pinna: The outer ear comprises the pinna and the external auditory meatus (canal). The pinna functions to collect air vibrations that produce sound, directing them into the external auditory meatus, which extends inward to the tympanic membrane (eardrum), where sound waves are further processed. Skeletal System: The skeletal system is a framework composed of bones and cartilage, playing a crucial role in providing structural support and facilitating movement. Among the cartilages, hyaline cartilage is the most abundant type, providing flexibility and support while reducing friction in joints.

Hence the correct answer is option 3) Cartilage.

Q2. The kind of tissue that forms the supportive structure in our pinna (external ears) is also found in:

1. Nails

2. Ear ossicles

3. Tip of the nose

4. Vertebrae

Correct answer: 1) Tip of the nose

Explanation:

There are three types of cartilage: hyaline cartilage, fibrous cartilage, and calcified cartilage. Fibrous cartilage has well-developed fibres in its matrix and can be further classified into two types fibrous cartilage which has white strong fibres, and is located in intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis, and yellow elastic fibrous cartilage with yellow fibres that provide elasticity and is located in the ear pinna and the tip of the nose.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Tip of the nose.

Q3. Assertion: The outer ear (external ear) is also called the auricle or pinna, your outer ear consists of ridged cartilage and skin, and it contains glands that secrete ear wax.

Reason: Its funnel-shaped canal leads to your eardrum or tympanic membrane.

1. If both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark A

2. If both Assertion & Reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark B

3. If Assertion is true statement but Reason is false, then mark C

4. If both Assertion and Reason are false statements, then mark D

Correct answer: 1) If both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion, then mark A

Explanation:

Both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. Your outer ear is the part of your ear that’s visible. It’s what most people mean when they say “ear.” Also called the auricle or pinna, your outer ear consists of ridged cartilage and skin, and it contains glands that secrete ear wax. Its funnel-shaped canal leads to your eardrum or tympanic membrane.

Hence, the correct option is 1 both Assertion & Reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Structure of Ear

• Action Potential

• Mechanism of Vision

Recommended Video on Diagram of Ear