Construction Material of the Sound Conduction System of the Human Ear

Abstract

The behavior of the living elastic bodies in the ear must be studied for a full understanding of the ear as sound conductor. Two elementary structural elements possessing restoring forces are the collagen fiber and the elastic fiber. These two tissue elements form membranes, ligaments, tendons, and articulations in the ear. The physical behavior of these two fiber systems is described. Three areas in the ear are distinguished according to their construction material. Methods of measuring the physical characteristics of the ear structures are described. The linear displacement of the center of the ear drum as a function of static pressure changes in the outer ear canal is given. Static movements of the stapes footplate due to reflectoric muscle contractions were used to calculate the elongation of the stapes ringband in vivo.