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The oval window of the cochlea receives pressure from the stapes as the ossicles move. This pressing action causes the fluid inside the cochlea to move.

Oval Window

In the process of hearing, vibrations travel from the air-filled middle ear, through a chain of small bones, and must be transferred into the fluid-filled inner ear. What is the critical role of the membrane-covered opening where the last bone connects to this fluid-filled structure?

The cochlea contains fluid that moves when the stapes presses against its oval window. This fluid movement leads to the enlargement of hair cells embedded in the basilar membrane.

Cochlea

Sound energy is transmitted from the air-filled middle ear to the fluid-filled inner ear. A series of small bones conveys vibrations to a small, membrane-covered opening leading to the inner ear. What is the primary functional challenge this opening and its membrane must overcome, and how does it accomplish this?

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