Ear: From 4 Different Sources
The organ of hearing and balance. It consists of three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.
The outer ear comprises the pinna and the ear canal. The outer part of the ear canal produces earwax, which traps dust and foreign bodies. The canal is closed at its inner end by the eardrum, which vibrates in response to changes in air pressure that make sound.
The middle ear is a cavity that conducts sound to the inner ear by means of three tiny, linked, movable bones known as ossicles. The first bone, the malleus, is joined to the inner surface of the eardrum. The second, the incus, is linked to the malleus and to the third bone, the stapes. The base of the stapes fills the oval window leading to the
inner ear. The eustachian tube links the middle ear to the back of the nose.
The inner ear is an intricate series of structures deep within the skull. The front part, the cochlea, is a tube containing nerve fibres that detect different sound frequencies. The rear part of the inner ear contains three semicircular canals and is concerned with balance. The semicircular canals are connected to a cavity called the vestibule and contain hair cells bathed in fluid. Some of these cells are sensitive to gravity and acceleration; others detect direction of movement. Information from the inner ear is conducted to the brain via the vestibulocochlear nerve.
The ear is concerned with two functions. The more evident is that of the sense of hearing; the other is the sense of equilibration and of motion. The organ is divided into three parts:
(1) the external ear, consisting of the auricle on the surface of the head, and the tube which leads inwards to the drum; (2) the middle ear, separated from the former by the tympanic membrane or drum, and from the internal ear by two other membranes, but communicating with the throat by the Eustachian tube; and (3) the internal ear, comprising the complicated labyrinth from which runs the vestibulocochlear nerve into the brain.
External ear The auricle or pinna consists of a framework of elastic cartilage covered by skin, the lobule at the lower end being a small mass of fat. From the bottom of the concha the external auditory (or acoustic) meatus runs inwards for 25 mm (1 inch), to end blindly at the drum. The outer half of the passage is surrounded by cartilage, lined by skin, on which are placed ?ne hairs pointing outwards, and glands secreting a small amount of wax. In the inner half, the skin is smooth and lies directly upon the temporal bone, in the substance of which the whole hearing apparatus is enclosed.
Middle ear The tympanic membrane, forming the drum, is stretched completely across the end of the passage. It is about 8 mm (one-third of an inch) across, very thin, and white or pale pink in colour, so that it is partly transparent and some of the contents of the middle ear shine through it. The cavity of the middle ear is about 8 mm (one-third of an inch) wide and 4 mm (one-sixth of an inch) in depth from the tympanic membrane to the inner wall of bone. Its important contents are three small bones – the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil) and stapes (stirrup) – collectively known as the auditory ossicles, with two minute muscles which regulate their movements, and the chorda tympani nerve which runs across the cavity. These three bones form a chain across the middle ear, connecting the drum with the internal ear. Their function is to convert the air-waves, which strike upon the drum, into mechanical movements which can affect the ?uid in the inner ear.
The middle ear has two connections which are of great importance as regards disease (see EAR, DISEASES OF). In front, it communicates by a passage 37 mm (1.5 inches) long – the Eustachian (or auditory) tube – with the upper part of the throat, behind the nose; behind and above, it opens into a cavity known as the mastoid antrum. The Eustachian tube admits air from the throat, and so keeps the pressure on both sides of the drum fairly equal.
Internal ear This consists of a complex system of hollows in the substance of the temporal bone enclosing a membranous duplicate. Between the membrane and the bone is a ?uid known as perilymph, while the membrane is distended by another collection of ?uid known as endolymph. This membranous labyrinth, as it is called, consists of two parts. The hinder part, comprising a sac (the utricle) and three short semicircular canals opening at each end into it, is the part concerned with the balancing sense; the forward part consists of another small bag (the saccule), and of a still more important part, the cochlear duct, and is the part concerned with hearing. In the cochlear duct is placed the spiral organ of Corti, on which sound-waves are ?nally received and by which the sounds are communicated to the cochlear nerve, a branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve, which ends in ?laments to this organ of Corti. The essential parts in the organ of Corti are a double row of rods and several rows of cells furnished with ?ne hairs of varying length which respond to di?ering sound frequencies.
The act of hearing When sound-waves in the air reach the ear, the drum is alternately pressed in and pulled out, in consequence of which a to-and-fro movement is communicated to the chain of ossicles. The foot of the stapes communicates these movements to the perilymph. Finally these motions reach the delicate ?laments placed in the organ of Corti, and so affect the auditory nerve, which conveys impressions to the centre in the brain.
See expired air resuscitation.
n. the sense organ concerned with hearing and balance (see illustration). Sound waves, transmitted from the outside into the external auditory meatus, cause the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to vibrate. The small bones (ossicles) of the middle ear – the malleus, incus, and stapes – transmit the sound vibrations to the fenestra ovalis, which leads to the inner ear (see labyrinth). Inside the *cochlea the sound vibrations are converted into nerve impulses. Vibrations emerging from the cochlea could cause pressure to build up inside the ear, but this is released through the *Eustachian tube. The *semicircular canals, *saccule, and *utricle – also in the inner ear – are all concerned with balance.
The term commonly applied to prominent ears. The condition may be familial, but this is by no means the rule. Strapping the ears ?rmly back has no e?ect and is merely an embarrassment to the child. Where the patient wishes it, the condition can be recti?ed by plastic surgery.... bat ears
Middle ear inflammation. See: OTITIS MEDIA. External ear inflammation. See: OTITIS EXTERNA. Glue ear. See: OTITIS MEDIA, SECRETORY FORM. ... ears
The circular membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The eardrum vibrates in response to sound waves, conducting the sound to the inner ear through the ossicles.... eardrum
A yellow or brown secretion, also called cerumen, produced by glands in the outer ear canal. Some people produce so much wax that it regularly obstructs the canal. Excess earwax may produce a sensation of fullness in the ear and partial deafness. Prolonged blockage may irritate the canal.Wax that causes blockage or irritation may come out after being softened with oil. Otherwise, it should be removed by a doctor. This is usually done, after wax is softened, by syringing of the ears. eating disorders Illnesses characterized by obsessions with weight and body image. Eating disorders are most common in young adolescent females but can affect males. In anorexia nervosa, patients, despite being painfully thin, perceive themselves as fat and starve themselves. Binge-eating followed by self-induced vomiting is a major feature of bulimia, although, in this disorder, weight may be normal. Both conditions may occur together. In morbid obesity, there is a constant desire to eat large quantities of food.... earwax
(English) A powerful young woman Earrick, Earrik, Earrica, Earrika, Earricka... earric
(German) Woman of the earth Ertha, Earthe, Erthe... eartha
Colocasia and Alocasia speciesDescription: All plants in these groups have large leaves, sometimes up to 1.8 meters tall, that grow from a very short stem. The rootstock is thick and fleshy and filled with starch.Habitat and Distribution: These plants grow in the humid tropics. Look for them in fields and near homesites and villages.Edible Parts: All parts of the plant are edible when boiled or roasted. When boiling, change the water once to get rid of any poison.CAUTIONIf eaten raw, these plants will cause a serious inflammation of the mouth and throat.... taro, cocoyam, elephant ears, eddo, dasheen
See otoplasty.... ears, pinning back of
See tinnitus.... ringing in the ears
The flushing out of excess earwax or a foreign body from the outer ear canal by introducing water from a syringe into the ear canal.... syringing of ears
see perinatal mortality rate.... early neonatal death
(EWS) a system to detect deteriorating patients on the ward. Certain physical parameters are accorded scores: the higher the scores for individual patients, the greater the deterioration in their condition. Parameters scored include blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness. Adjustments can be made for increased age.... early warning system
an assessment tool for newborn babies, consisting of a chart in which a combination of *vital signs, neurological involvement, observation of blue skin and lips, and level of behavioural response indicate the appropriate level of concern. It is colour-coordinated from red to green to enable standardized escalation of concerns about the sick baby.... neonatal early warning score
If you’re a fan of black tea, you must have heard of the Earl Grey tea. If not, this is your chance to find out all you need to know about this richly-flavored black tea. Read about its health benefits and side effects, as well.
About Earl Grey tea
Earl Grey tea is one of the most popular types of black tea, drunk by people all around the world. It has a refreshing, citrusy flavor thanks to the bergamot orange oil added in its composition. The bergamot orange is the fruit of a citrus tree which blooms during winter; it is commercially cultivated in Italy. The bergamot oil, which is responsible for the tea’s citrusy flavor, is extracted from the skin of the fruit.
In America, it is sometimes misspelled as “Earl Gray”. However, this is not the generally accepted spelling of the tea’s name.
The Earl Grey tea is often drank during breakfast or brunch. It makes a good team with different sweets and pastries. It is also used to add flavor to various types of cakes.
History of Earl Grey tea
The Earl Grey tea is named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl of Britain, who was Prime Minister during the 1830s. As to why it was named after him, one legend says that a Chinese merchant gave this tea to Lord Grey to show his gratefulness, as one of the lord’s men had saved his son from drowning. However, there are doubts related to the authenticity of this story, as Lord Grey had never been to China, and the Chinese hadn’t yet discovered about the use of bergamot oil as a tea ingredient.
It is possible that, seeing as Earl Grey tea was discovered at the beginning of the 19th century, it was simply named after a politician who was quite well-known at that time.
According to the Grey family, Lady Grey served Earl Grey tea to various guests. As it became more and more popular, she was asked if the Earl Grey tea could be sold. This is how it became a brand of the Twinings tea company.
Varieties of Earl Grey tea
Considering how popular the Earl Grey tea is, it isn’t surprising that there are currently quite a few varieties of this tea.
One of the well-known varieties of Earl Grey tea is Lady Grey, named after Mary Elizabeth Grey, the wife of Lord Grey. Other flavors are added to the usual Earl Grey tea. Some varieties of Lady Grey include adding blue cornflower blossoms, lavender or Seville oranges.
Another type of the Earl Grey tea is the Russian Earl Grey. To the usual ingredients, it adds citrus peels, vodka, and lemon grass.
Other types of Earl Grey tea include flowers among its ingredients. One of them is the French Earl Grey, which uses rose petals.
There are some types of Earl Grey tea where the usual black tea leaves are replaced with something else. One example is Earl Grey Green, where the bergamot oil is combined with green leaves instead of the black ones. Another example is Rooibos Earl Grey, possibly originating from Malaysia. In this case, the black leaves are replaced with Rooibos, a South-African herbal plant.
Also, in various coffee shops and tea shops, you can find a drink called London Fog. It is a “tea latte” and its ingredients are Earl Grey tea, steamed milk and vanilla syrup.
How to prepare Earl Grey Tea
For a cup of Earl Grey tea, use one teaspoon of tea leaves, or one regular-sized teabag. Boil the water before pouring it into the cup, and then let it steep for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the tea leaves or teabag.
Based on your preferences, you can add sugar, lemon or milk to your cup of Earl Grey tea.
Benefits of Earl Grey Tea
The Earl Grey tea comes with many health benefits, both thanks to the black tea leaves and the bergamot oil.
First, the antioxidants in its composition strengthen your immune system. They help keep your body young and healthy, protecting it from various viruses. This is why people who have caught a cold or the flu, or simply have a fever, drink Earl Grey tea.
The Earl Grey tea has a calming effect thanks to the bergamot oil in its composition. It helps improve your mood by fighting against anxiety, depression, stress, and mood swings.
The bergamot oil in the Earl Grey tea also helps you with digestion. It’s useful when suffering from indigestion, nausea and colic. It is also recommended in the case of urinary tract infections and intestinal problems.
Earl Grey tea also helps you maintain a good oral hygiene. It fights against tooth decay and oral infections, and keeps the cavities away.
Side effects of Earl Grey tea
Despite its many health benefits, consumption of Earl Grey tea can have a few side effects, as well.
The caffeine found in the composition of Earl Grey tea can affect you negatively, especially if caffeine isn’t good for your body. To some people it may induce anxiety and heart palpitations. It can also increase blood pressure, making it bad for people who already have a high blood pressure.
Also, if you drink a large amount of Earl Grey tea for a long time and suddenly, you stop, you might experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms. They include headaches that can last for up to a week, difficulty in concentrating, nausea, depression and anxiety.
Drinking a large amount of Earl Grey tea can lead to side effects, as well. You might end up suffering from headaches, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats. Therefore, make sure you don’t drink more than six cups of any tea, including Earl Grey tea.
Stay healthy by drinking this rich and citrusy-flavored black tea, the Earl Grey tea. Keep an eye on the side effects, but don’t let them scare you, as there are many more health benefits. So relax and enjoy your cup of Earl Grey tea with some cookies!... discover more about earl grey tea
(Scottish) Woman from the East Earah, Earra, Earrah, Earia, Earea, Earie, Eari, Earee, Eary, Earey... eara
(English) A great leader Earlah... earla
(English) Feminine form of Earl; a noble woman; a great leader Earlena, Earlene, Earlina, Earlyne, Earlyna, Earleene, Earleena, Earleane, Earleana, Earleine, Earleina, Earliene, Earliena... earline
Action at an early stage of a disease or social process.... early intervention
(English) Resembling an eagle Earnah, Earnia, Earnea, Earniah, Earneah... earna
(otapostasis) external ears that stick out from the head more than average owing to absence of the antihelical fold of the *pinna. This is a normal variant but can be surgically corrected if desired using an *otoplasty operation. It was previously known as bat ears.... protruding ears
Health Encyclopedia