7. What is the function of middle ear?

The middle ear serves several important functions in the process of hearing: Sound Transmission: The middle ear acts as a bridge between the outer ear and the inner ear, transmitting sound vibrations from the outer ear to the inner ear. When sound waves enter the ear canal and strike the eardrum (tympanic membrane), they cause it to vibrate. Amplification: The middle ear amplifies the vibrations of the eardrum before transmitting them to the inner ear. This amplification is necessary because the inner ear fluid has a much lower impedance than air, meaning that without amplification, much of the sound energy would be lost. Protection: The middle ear also provides a protective mechanism for the delicate structures of the inner ear. The ossicles, which are the three small bones in the middle ear (the malleus, incus, and stapes), help to protect the inner ear by damping excessively loud sounds. The tensor tympani and stapedius muscles, which are attached to the ossicles, also contract in response to loud noises to reduce the transmission of sound vibrations to the inner ear, thereby protecting it from damage. Overall, the middle ear plays a crucial role in the process of hearing by transmitting and amplifying sound vibrations while also providing protection to the delicate structures of the inner ear. read less