What function do the ossicles serve?
A)They abate loud sounds that might damage the sensitive tympanic membrane.
B)They amplify the sound as sound goes from an air environment to a liquid environment.
C)They protect the hair cells of the cochlea.
D)The provide structure that supports the hard shell of the cochlea.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ossicles amplify the sound as it travels from an air-filled environment (outer ear and middle ear) to a liquid-filled environment (inner ear), allowing for better transmission of sound vibrations to the cochlea.

Answer A is incorrect because while the ossicles do help protect the inner ear from loud sounds, this is not their primary function.

Answer C is incorrect because the hair cells of the cochlea are not directly protected by the ossicles.

Answer D is incorrect because the ossicles are not involved in supporting the hard shell of the cochlea - this is the role of other structures within the inner ear.

What Function Do the Ossicles Serve