BIOLOGY II HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Chapter 1: Introduction –Structure and Function
NAME_______________________
15pts
The organization of the human ear is such that
we trap soundwaves, replicate them in the
Organ of Corti and transduce them to
electrical and chemical signals in the brains
auditory cortex. What you “hear” as the
observer is a shadow of the external world
recreated in your mind!
Observe your own ear, hard to do, or that of
your classmates. Use the diagram on the right
and any other resource you choose to answer
the following questions.
The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate
your ability to write with fidelity, incorporate
what you observe and or learn, and to
synthesize the material in a way that
demonstrates some insight.
1. How does the function of the external ear dictate its structure?
2. What is transduction and how does it relate to the eardrum, incus malleus stapes and
cochlear window? How does the signal change from the ear canal to the cochlear, and
again from the organ of corti to the auditory cortex of the brain??
3. Where is the auditory cortex and why do you think its located hear/here?