otosjärjestelmä

The otosjärjestelmä, or auditory system in Finnish, is the biological system responsible for processing sound and maintaining balance. It consists of three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, each playing a distinct role in hearing and equilibrium.

The outer ear, or auricle, captures sound waves and directs them into the ear canal. The ear canal channels these waves to the eardrum, a thin membrane that vibrates in response to sound. These vibrations are then transmitted to the middle ear, which contains three tiny bones known as ossicles: the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones amplify and transfer the vibrations to the inner ear.

The inner ear, or cochlea, is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure lined with sensory cells called hair cells. When the stapes moves, it creates pressure waves in the fluid within the cochlea, stimulating the hair cells. These cells convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that are sent via the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.

In addition to hearing, the otosjärjestelmä plays a crucial role in balance. The inner ear contains structures called the semicircular canals and the vestibule, which detect head movements and positional changes. This information is sent to the brain, helping maintain spatial orientation and coordination.

Diseases or damage to any part of the otosjärjestelmä can impair hearing or balance. Common conditions include otitis media (middle ear infection), sensorineural hearing loss (damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve), and vertigo (dizziness due to inner ear dysfunction). Proper care, such as avoiding loud noises and maintaining ear hygiene, helps preserve the health of the auditory system.