The middle ear is that portion which is just inside the drum. In this we find a chain of little bones. The one attached to the drum is shaped much like a hammer, and is called the malleus, which means mallet or hammer. The next one is shaped like an anvil and is called incus, which means anvil, and the third is called stapes, which means stirrup. The flat part of the stapes fits into a small opening that leads to the internal ear.
The inner ear
The internal ear is shaped like a snail shell. It makes several turns, which are hollow like the ends of a conch shell. In these channels the nerve that receives the impressions made by the sounds is distributed. This nerve carries the impressions to the brain.
Fig. 88. The nervous system.
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Importance of the nervous system
This system is so important in its use and so difficult to understand in its details, that a description of it should have more space than can be given in this summary. Can you imagine having no feeling and being unable to move? This would be your condition if you had no nerves.
Nerves compared to telegraph system