The channel of the ear is the ear canal, also known as the external acoustic meatus or external auditory meatus (EAM).
This passage plays a vital role in hearing, serving as the pathway that sound travels from the outer ear to the middle ear. Let's break down the details:
- Function: The ear canal's primary function is to conduct sound waves from the environment to the tympanic membrane (eardrum).
- Location: It extends from the auricle (the visible part of the ear) to the eardrum.
- Dimensions: In adult humans, the ear canal is approximately 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long and 0.7 centimeters (0.3 inches) in diameter.
- Structure: The ear canal isn't perfectly straight; it has a slightly curved shape, which provides some protection to the eardrum.
- Protection: The skin lining the ear canal contains ceruminous glands, which produce earwax (cerumen). Earwax helps to protect the ear canal from dust, debris, and microorganisms.
Therefore, when someone refers to the "channel of the ear," they are most likely referring to the ear canal, which is the conduit for sound to reach the eardrum.
