What are the structures of the middle ear and inner ear as described in the chapter on sensory organs?

The middle ear structures include the tympanic membrane and auditory ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes). The inner ear structures consist of the vestibular organs (utricle, saccule, semicircular canals) and the cochlea, which contains the spiral organ.

The middle ear contains the tympanic membrane, which is a thin membrane that separates the external ear from the middle ear, and the auditory ossicles, which are three small bones named the malleus, incus, and stapes. These ossicles are responsible for transmitting sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. The inner ear comprises the vestibular organs, including the utricle, saccule, and semicircular canals, which are involved in balance and spatial orientation. Additionally, the cochlea is a part of the inner ear that contains the spiral organ (organ of Corti), which is essential for hearing as it converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses.