Auditory system: meaning, definitions and examples

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auditory system

 

[ ˈɔːdɪt(ə)ri ˈsɪstəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sensory perception

The auditory system is the sensory system for the sense of hearing. It includes the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, and central auditory pathways in the brain. Sound waves are collected by the outer ear and travel through the ear canal to the eardrum, causing vibrations that are transmitted to the middle ear. The inner ear then converts these vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain for processing.

Synonyms

auditory pathway, hearing system.

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Word Description / Examples
auditory system

This term is commonly used in scientific and medical contexts to describe the entire sensory system responsible for hearing. It includes the ear, auditory nerve, and the brain regions associated with processing sound.

  • Scientists are studying the auditory system to understand how we perceive sound
  • Damage to parts of the auditory system can lead to hearing loss
hearing system

This term is more general and can be used in both everyday language and less formal contexts to describe the organs and mechanisms involved in hearing. It is less technical than 'auditory system'.

  • Loud noises can damage our hearing system over time
  • The doctor explained how the hearing system works during the health workshop
auditory pathway

Use this term when referring specifically to the neural pathways and structures that transmit auditory information from the ear to the brain. This term is more specialized and often used in neurobiology and auditory research.

  • Researchers identified new insights into the auditory pathway that could improve hearing aids
  • The auditory pathway helps convey sound signals to the brain for interpretation

Examples of usage

  • The auditory system allows us to perceive sounds in our environment.
  • Damage to the auditory system can result in hearing loss.
  • The auditory system is crucial for communication and language development.

Translations

Translations of the word "auditory system" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sistema auditivo

🇮🇳 श्रवण प्रणाली

🇩🇪 auditorisches System

🇮🇩 sistem pendengaran

🇺🇦 слухова система

🇵🇱 system słuchowy

🇯🇵 聴覚系

🇫🇷 système auditif

🇪🇸 sistema auditivo

🇹🇷 işitsel sistem

🇰🇷 청각 시스템

🇸🇦 النظام السمعي

🇨🇿 sluchový systém

🇸🇰 sluchový systém

🇨🇳 听觉系统

🇸🇮 slušni sistem

🇮🇸 heyrnarkerfi

🇰🇿 есту жүйесі

🇬🇪 სმენითი სისტემა

🇦🇿 eşitmə sistemi

🇲🇽 sistema auditivo

Etymology

The study of the auditory system has a long history, dating back to ancient times. Aristotle and Galen were among the early scholars who studied the anatomy and function of the ear. Over the centuries, advancements in science and technology have deepened our understanding of how the auditory system works. Today, ongoing research continues to unravel the complexities of hearing and the brain's processing of auditory information.