I Can't Ear You Trivia Quiz

Answer: Outer Ear

The auricle is the outer ear that is clearly seen. It is also known as a pinna.

The function of the auricle is to gather sounds and to direct them into the middle ear. It is also the part of the body that is often pierced.

Answer: Cerumen

In the ear canal you can find a yellow waxy substance that is commonly known as earwax or cerumen. This substance provides lubrication to the inner ear and provides protection against bacteria, insects, fungi, and water. It is produced by the ceruminous and sebaceous glands.

Answer: Incus, Stapes, Malleus

The bones in the ear are the smallest bones in the whole human body. They are known as the auditory ossicles and help with transmitting sound into the middle ear. They then conduct sounds from the middle ear to the inner ear where they are transferred into nerve signals.

Answer: Endolymph

The fluid composition of the inner ear helps you hear. It is similar to cerebrospinal fluid but contains positively-charged ions of potassium.

This fluid is contained within the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear.

Answer: False

The eardrum or tympanic membrane is a thin membrane of tissue that separates the middle ear from the ear canal. Rupturing it can cause pain and leave you open to ear infections. It usually heals itself within a month but occasionally requires treatment. Even people with permanent eardrum perforation will still have some level of hearing.

Answer: It transforms sound into nerve impulses that travel to the brain

The cochlea is a spiral-shaped part of the inner ears. Sound is conducted to the cochlea where it is transformed into nerve impulses. These impulses then travel to the brain.

Answer: Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the ringing (usually) in your ears when there is no noise present. Occasionally it may be the sound of roaring, hissing or clicking. It may be soft or loud and can occur in one ear or both. It can occur because of injury, disease, or for no reason at all.

Answer: Eustachian tube

The Eustachian tube opens every time you yawn or swallow. When it opens, it makes the air pressure equalize between the inner and outer ear. This tube drains fluid from the ears unless it is unable to open. This creates pressure and pain.

Answer: False

The chorda tympani is a nerve that runs through the ear, but it is used for tasting rather than hearing. It runs through the middle ear but the rest of it can be found mostly in the tongue.

Answer: Utricle and saccule

The utricle and the saccule are two sac-like organs that are part of the balancing apparatus of the brain. They are located within the bony labyrinth or small oval chamber. They contain small stones and a fluid for stimulation. They detect head tilting and motion.