Outer vs. Inner Ear: Anatomy and Function

Outer Ear

• Visible: auricle (pinna) + external auditory canal.
• Cartilage and skin.
• Collects and funnels sound waves.

Inner Ear

• Deep: bony labyrinth (cochlea, vestibule, semicircular canals).
• Sensory organs: hearing (cochlea), balance (vestibular system).
• Transduces mechanical waves to neural signals.

Key Differences

• Visibility: outer visible, inner hidden.
• Composition: cartilage/skin vs. bone/fluid.
• Function: sound collection vs. transduction.