middle ear

noun

Anatomy.

1. the middle portion of the ear, consisting of the tympanic membrane and an air-filled chamber lined with mucous membrane, that contains the malleus, incus, and stapes.

middle ear

noun

1. the sound-conducting part of the ear, containing the malleus, incus, and stapes

middle ear

1. The part of the ear in most mammals that contains the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the three ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes) which transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

2. See more at ear

middle ear

1. A part of the ear on the inner side of the eardrum; it contains three small bones that transmit sound waves to the inner ear from the eardrum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of middle ear¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

When some marine fish eventually adapted to life in fresh water, many also acquired a more elaborate way to hear, including middle ear bones that resemble those in humans.

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Unlike eye surgery, which is common, operations aren’t often performed on the pliable bones and hair cell receptors of the middle ear, the source of natural hearing.

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But, Vitek said, other traits bore a stronger similarity to North American porcupines, including the shape of the middle ear bone as well as the shapes of the lower front and back teeth.

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"Parents should be aware that their child may have some middle ear fluid without it being painful and work with their doctor to monitor their child closely."

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These sounds, Groh believes, may be caused when eye movements stimulate the brain to contract either middle ear muscles, which typically help dampen loud sounds, or the hair cells that help amplify quiet sounds.

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