The Ear

Terminology chapter 13

Function

• To hear

• To provide the sense of balance

Structure of the Ear• External ear– Auricle (pinna) to

the eardrum– Directs sound

waves into the ear

Structure of the Ear• Middle ear– Eardrum (tympanic

membrane)– Eustachian tube

connects middle ear to pharynx• Equalizes air pressure

on both sides of eardrum

– Ossicles• Carry sound vibrations• 3 small bones

Structure of the Ear• Inner ear– Bony space in skull– Cochlea • Contains organ of

hearing– Semicircular canals

and vestibule• Sense of balance is

maintained here• Equilibrium

Word Parts• Combining forms

– acou/o, audi/o………… hearing– aur/i, aur/o, ot/o……….ear– labyrinth/o…………….. inner ear

–myring/o………………..eardrum, tympanic membrane

Medical Terms

• Otomycosis– fungus in the ear– usually affects the

outer ear canal

Medical Terms• Tympanitis – inflammation of the

middle ear– commonly called

otitis media (OM)– Bulging, perforated,

or reddened tympanic membrane are signs

– Common in children

Disease and Disorder Terms

• Meniere’s disease – Chronic disorder– affects the inner

ear– Dizziness, ringing

in the ears, and hearing loss are the symptoms

Normal

Abnormal

Disease and Disorder Terms

• Tinnitus – Ringing in the ears– Can be caused by

Aspirin

Disease and Disorder Terms

• Vertigo – sense that one’s

own body or the environment is revolving

–may indicate inner ear disease

Surgical Terms• Myringotomy – Incision into the

eardrum to release pus or fluid and relieve pressure in the middle ear

Diagnostic Terms

• Otoscope – instrument used for

visual examination of the ear

Complementary Terms

• Audiologist – one who studies

and specializes in hearing

• Audiology – study of hearing

Common Abbreviations

• EENT……..eyes, ears, nose, and throat• OM………..otitis media• AD…………right ear • AS…………left ear• AU…………both ears