Our Inner Ear is Protected from Very Loud Noises By

Question

Our inner ear is protected from very loud noises by
A) the tensor tympani stiffening the tympanic membrane.
B) the stapedius reducing movement of the stapes.
C) the tensory tympani stiffening the tympanic membrane and the stapedius reducing movement of the stapes.
D) cerumen in the auditory canal.
E) contraction of the auditory tube.

Accepted Answer

Both the tensor tympani muscle and the stapedius muscle work together to protect the inner ear from very loud noises. The tensor tympani muscle stiffens the tympanic membrane while the stapedius muscle reduces the movement of the stapes bone, which lessens the amount of energy transmitted to the inner ear.