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Britannica Sources used in this answer

What are the three main parts of the human ear?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Cross-section diagram of the human ear showing the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, with labeled parts including the auricle, auditory canal, tympanic membrane, ossicles, cochlea, semicircular canals, and nerves.
human ear Structure of the human ear.

The human ear is anatomically divided into three primary parts, each serving specific roles in hearing and equilibrium:1

  • Outer ear: This section includes the auricle (pinna) and the external auditory canal. Its primary function is to collect sound waves and direct them toward the tympanic membrane.12
  • Middle ear: A narrow, air-filled cavity containing three tiny bones known as the auditory ossicles—the malleus, incus, and stapes. This chain conducts sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.13
  • Inner ear: Also known as the labyrinth, this complex system of fluid-filled passages is located within the temporal bone. It contains the vestibular apparatus for balance and the cochlea for hearing.14