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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. Diagram of the human ear showing how sound waves travel through the outer ear and auditory canal to the tympanic membrane, causing vibrations in the ossicles, and then through the middle and inner ear, including the cochlea. Color-coded sections highlight the outer ear in orange, middle ear in pink, and inner ear in blue.
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anatomy
Also known as: fenestra cochleae
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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 The structures of the outer, middle, and inner ear.

The round window is a membrane-covered opening located between the middle ear and the cochlea. It plays a crucial role in the process of hearing within the inner ear.12

When sound waves enter the ear, they cause vibrations that are transmitted through the middle ear to the oval window. This motion creates waves in the fluid of the cochlea. These waves then stimulate the hair cells in the organ of Corti, which send nerve impulses to the brain, allowing us to perceive sound.2

The round window acts in conjunction with the oval window. As the stapes moves inward against the oval window, the round window bulges outward. This reciprocal movement is essential for transmitting sound vibrations effectively through the cochlear fluids and allows the inner ear to function properly in hearing.3

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
4 Britannica Sources
  1. round window
  2. inner ear
  3. human ear - Auditory ossicles
  4. human ear - Function of the ossicular chain

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