Module 1 The Nervous System
Lesson 1.1.6
Lesson 6: Mechanoreception—The Ear
Get Focused
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Where is your cell phone? You can hear it ringing but you can’t find it. There’s no point in asking your parents where it is. They can’t hear it. Older people who have some hearing loss may not be able to hear the high tone of the mosquito ring on your phone. Your cell phone is ringing in class, but your teacher can’t hear it. Could this also be an example of the mosquito ring tone? Being able to hear sound is an important factor in communication, however not all people are able to hear the same sounds.
The ear is also an important structure involved in balance. That queasy sensation you felt when you were watching the truck beside you slide down the hill last winter while your vehicle pulled forward was the result of conflicting information from your eyes and your inner ear. When you have an inner ear infection, communication between your eyes and ears is interrupted and you may not be able tell whether you’re laying down or standing up. You may become dizzy and suffer vertigo, the illusion of spinning in space.
In this lesson, you will explore such phenomena as you address the following focusing questions about the ear and mechanoreception:
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What are the major structures of the ear?
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How do these structures function to facilitate your response to sound in the environment?
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How do these structures function help you maintain your balance in a constantly changing environment?
Module 1: Lesson 6: Assignments
Once you have completed all of the learning activities for this lesson, you can complete the online assignment.
Here is a tutorial video for this lesson that you can watch if it suits your learning style.
** The Self-Check and Try This questions throughout this lesson are not marked by the teacher; however these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course. **