Oídos

Oídos refers to the ears, which are the organs responsible for hearing and balance. The ear is a complex structure that can be divided into three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.

The outer ear consists of the auricle (pinna) and the ear canal. The auricle is the visible part of the ear, and it helps to collect sound waves and direct them into the ear canal. The ear canal is a tube that leads to the eardrum.

The middle ear is an air-filled cavity that contains three small bones called ossicles: the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The middle ear also contains the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps to equalize pressure.

The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing, and the semicircular canals and vestibule, which are responsible for balance. Sound vibrations are converted into electrical signals in the cochlea, which are then sent to the brain for interpretation. The semicircular canals and vestibule detect head movements and send signals to the brain to help maintain balance.

Problems with the oídos can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and dizziness. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, noise exposure, aging, and genetic conditions. Medical professionals specializing in ear health are called otolaryngologists or ENTs.