kuulokanavan

Kuulokanava, also known as the ear canal or external auditory canal, is a tube that transmits sound from the outer ear to the eardrum. It is approximately 2.5 centimeters long in adults and is located in the temporal bone of the skull. The outer part of the canal is lined with skin that contains hairs and glands that produce earwax, also known as cerumen. Earwax helps to protect the ear canal by trapping dirt and debris and has antibacterial properties.

The shape of the kuulokanava is slightly curved, which helps to funnel sound waves towards the eardrum. The canal is narrowest at its junction with the bony part, creating a slight constriction. Sound vibrations traveling through the air enter the ear canal and cause the eardrum, a thin membrane at the end of the canal, to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the middle ear.

The kuulokanava is a crucial part of the auditory system, playing a vital role in our ability to hear. Blockages or damage to the ear canal can lead to hearing loss, ear infections, or discomfort. It is important to keep the ear canal clean and free from obstructions, but excessive cleaning can also be harmful and may remove protective earwax.