Nasal Cavity, Sinuses and Ear - LO 5

5. Where are the oval & round windows, and how do they function in hearing?

The oval and round windows are two communications on the medial wall of the middle ear with the inner ear. The oval window receives the footplate of the stapes. Vibrations conducted from the ossicles are transmitted to the membranous passages of the cochlear duct. The fluid of the cochlear duct continues the conduction of vibrations, and the round window allows for expansion of the vibrating fluid. Specialized sound receptors (hair cells) transform vibrations into neural action potentials.