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Ear Anatomy

Picture of the middle ear

The ear consists of the external ear canal, middle ear, and inner ear. The middle ear is separated from the ear canal by the eardrum. The middle ear contains the malleus, incus, and stapes, which are also known as the hammer, anvil, and stirrup. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is the main sensory organ of hearing. The eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the back part of the nose.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven T. Kmucha, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Revised April 13, 2011

Last Revised: April 13, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Steven T. Kmucha, MD - Otolaryngology

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