The document describes the anatomy and physiology of the human ear and vestibular system. It explains that sound waves are channeled through the outer ear to the tympanic membrane, causing the ossicles to vibrate and transmit the vibrations through the oval window to the cochlea. Within the cochlea, vibrations stimulate hair cells which transduce the mechanical signal into neural impulses that travel to the brain. The vestibular system contains semicircular canals and otolith organs that provide the senses of balance and spatial orientation through the detection of head motion.

1. Ears & Hearing 10-34

24. Neural Pathways for Equilibrium & Balance Fig 10.16 10-44