Question

The major function of the middle ear is ____________

(a) to transfer movements of the air in the outer ear to the cochlea

(b) to transfer movements of the air in the outer ear to the auditory nerves

(c) to transfer movements of the air in the outer ear to the tympanic membrane

(d) to transfer movements of the air in the outer ear to the fluid-filled chambers of the inner ear

This question was addressed to me at a job interview.

My question is from Mechanism of Hearing topic in chapter Audiometry of Biomedical Instrumentation

Answer 1

Right answer is (d) to transfer movements of the air in the outer ear to the fluid-filled chambers of the inner ear

For explanation: Thus, the major function of the middle ear is to transfer movements of the air in the outer ear to the fluid-filled chambers of the inner ear.  A chain of three small, middle ear bones couple the tympanic membrane to a membrane covered opening, called the oval window. The total force on the oval window is the same as that on the tympanic membrane.