Otolaryngology and ENT Surgery

Anatomy and Physiology of Ear, Nose, and Throat

The anatomy and physiology of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) are intricately linked, forming essential components of the upper respiratory and auditory systems. The ear consists of three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear collects sound waves and channels them through the ear canal to the eardrum, where vibrations are transmitted to the middle ear. Here, the vibrations are amplified and transmitted via the ossicles (tiny bones) to the inner ear. The inner ear contains the cochlea, a spiral-shaped structure filled with fluid and hair cells that convert sound vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain for interpretation. The ear also plays a crucial role in balance, with the vestibular system detecting changes in head position and movement, In contrast, the nose and throat are primarily involved in respiratory and olfactory functions. The nose acts as the primary organ for smell and is lined with mucous membranes that filter, warm, and humidify inhaled air. The nasal cavity also houses the olfactory epithelium, where specialized cells detect odor molecules and transmit signals to the brain. Beyond olfaction, the nose serves as a passageway for air to enter the respiratory system, where it is further conditioned before reaching the lungs.