Ear anatomy

The ear is composed of three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear captures sound waves and funnels them through the ear canal to the eardrum. The middle ear contains tiny bones (ossicles) that amplify vibrations from the eardrum and transmit them to the inner ear. The inner ear, including the cochlea, converts these vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain via the auditory nerve, allowing us to perceive sound. Additionally, the inner ear contains the vestibular system, which helps maintain balance and spatial orientation.