Question

describe the path of sound waves/vibrations from our external environment to our brain or they will be consciously perceived as sound. include a description of all the structures that are involved.

answer with 125 to 250 words please

Answer 1

Mechanism of hearing:

The sound waves from the external environment are collected by the auricle, the visible region of the external ear, and pass them through auditory canal, directing them to the tympanic membrane (ear drum). As the waves reach the ear drum, it vibrates and these vibrations are transmitted through the ear ossicles, viz., malleus, incus, and stapes, to the oval window of cochlea, where they generate waves in the lymphs. The waves in the lymphs induce a ripple in the basilar membrane. These movements in the basilar membrane bend the hair cells of the organ of Corti, pressing them against the tectorial membrane. As a result of this, nerve impulses are generated in the associated Cochlear nerve. The cochlear nerve transmits them to to the brain stem, where they are extensively processed and are sent to the primary auditory area of the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex I considered as the ultimate centre of the brain for hearing. At this point of time, the person could feel the sound.