Asked by Somer Milliken on Jul 26, 2024
Verified
A patient with a middle ear infection asks the nurse, "What does the middle ear do?" Which is the best response by the nurse?
A) It helps maintain balance.
B) It interprets sounds as they enter the ear.
C) It conducts vibrations of sounds to the inner ear.
D) It increases the amplitude of sound for the inner ear to function.
Middle Ear
The section of the ear between the eardrum and the oval window, containing the three auditory ossicles that transmit sound.
Vibrations
Oscillations that occur in various physical entities, which can be felt or heard as waves through mediums like air or water.
Balance
The ability of the body to maintain its center of mass over its base of support, a function involving sensory input, integration by the brain, and output to muscles.
- Comprehend the structural and operational characteristics of the ear related to auditory and equilibrium processes.
Verified Answer
KJ
Karissa JonesAug 02, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Among its other functions, the middle ear conducts sound vibrations from the outer ear to the central hearing apparatus in the inner ear. The other responses are not functions of the middle ear. The inner ear, not the middle ear, helps with balance. Sound is interpreted in the cerebral cortex, not the middle ear. The middle ear reduces the amplitude of loud sounds, not increase them, to protect the inner year. The functions of the middle ear are to conduct sound vibrations from the outer ear to the central hearing apparatus in the inner ear; protect the inner ear by reducing the amplitude of loud sounds; and allow equalization of air pressure on each side of the tympanic membrane via the eustachian tubes so that the membrane does not rupture.
Learning Objectives
- Comprehend the structural and operational characteristics of the ear related to auditory and equilibrium processes.