Correct option is A
The amplification of sound waves in the human middle ear is due to the mechanical action of the ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes), which transmit vibrations from the eardrum to the oval window of the cochlea.
There are two main mechanisms responsible for sound amplification in the middle ear:
- Lever mechanism of the ossicles: The ossicles work together to increase the force of the sound waves.
- Surface area difference: The eardrum is larger than the oval window, and the sound energy is concentrated on the smaller oval window, increasing the pressure.
The middle ear amplifies sound by approximately 16 to 18 times, which is crucial for effective transmission of sound vibrations into the cochlea, especially given the impedance mismatch between air (outer ear) and the fluid-filled cochlea.
Information Booster:
- The amplification factor is about 16 to 18 times due to the mechanical properties of the ossicles and the area difference between the eardrum and the oval window.
- The ossicles act as a lever system, which amplifies the force of the sound waves as they pass through the middle ear.
- The oval window is much smaller than the eardrum, concentrating the sound energy into a smaller area, increasing pressure.
- The amplification ensures that sound waves are strong enough to be transmitted efficiently to the cochlea, where further processing takes place.
