Ear Cross Section

3D Model

The ear is the organ of hearing and balance. The parts of the ear include:

External or outer ear, consisting of:

• Pinna or auricle. This is the outside part of the ear.
• External auditory canal or tube. This is the tube that connects the outer ear to the inside or middle ear.

Tympanic membrane (eardrum). The tympanic membrane divides the external ear from the middle ear.

Middle ear (tympanic cavity), consisting of:

• Ossicles. Three small bones that are connected and transmit the sound waves to the inner ear. The bones are called:
• • Malleus
• • Incus
• • Stapes

• Eustachian tube. A canal that links the middle ear with the back of the nose.

Inner ear, consisting of:

• Cochlea. This contains the nerves for hearing.
• Vestibule. This contains receptors for balance.
• Semicircular canals. This contains receptors for balance.