Sound waves travel through the ear canal and strike the _______

Options

A. ear drum
B. tympanum
C. ear canal
D. middle ear

Answer

To answer the question "Sound waves travel through the ear canal and strike the _______", we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Path of Sound Waves
Sound waves enter the human ear through the outer ear and travel through the ear canal.

**Hint:** Think about the structure of the ear and how sound travels through it.

### Step 2: Identify the First Structure Sound Waves Encounter
As sound waves travel through the ear canal, they will encounter the first barrier or structure that they strike. This structure is crucial for the hearing process.

**Hint:** Consider what is located at the end of the ear canal.

### Step 3: Recognize the Function of the Eardrum
The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is the membrane that vibrates when sound waves hit it. This vibration is essential for converting sound waves into mechanical energy that can be processed by the inner ear.

**Hint:** Remember that the eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear.

### Step 4: Conclude the Answer
Based on the understanding of the ear's anatomy and the function of the eardrum, we can conclude that sound waves travel through the ear canal and strike the eardrum.

**Final Answer:** Sound waves travel through the ear canal and strike the **eardrum**.

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