The Ear and the Brain

This neuroscience of music page is the product of my independent research project as a sophomore in high school.

Explanation

The three parts of the ear–the external ear, middle ear, and inner ear– each have slightly different functions that together interact with the brain to process sound and maintain one's equilibrium. Both abilities are central to the basic human functioning and with new developments in neuroscience, as well as continued exploration in this subject matter, scientists are inventing new ways to enhance and recover hearing and balance. Featured below is an overview of the anatomy of the ear, as well as how the ear and brain interact to hear sound.

This episode of Crash Course Anatomy and Physiology titled, 'Hearing and Balance: Crash Course A&P #17' is presented to us by Hank Green. The short lesson covers a range of topics including the anatomy of the ear, specifically the choclea and basilar membrane. Green continues to explain how hair cells register and transduct sound into action potentials. Following this, the audience learns how the vestibular apparatus responds to specific motions. Lastly, Green touches on how the ear and the brain interact to maintain one's equilibrium.

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Table of Contents:

Anatomy of the Ear (Specifically, the Choclea and Basilar Membrane) 2:22

Hair Cells Register and Transduct Sound into Action Potentials 6:40

Keep Your Equilibrium 7:36

The Vestibular Apparatus Responds to Specific Motions 7:51