Anatomy. the joint of the leg that allows for movement between the femur and tibia and is protected by the patella; the central area of the leg between the thigh and the lower leg. 2. Zoology. the corresponding joint or region in the hind leg of a quadruped; stifle. 3. a joint or region likened to this but not anatomically homologous with it, as the tarsal joint of a bird, the carpal joint in the forelimb of the horse or cow, etc.
The special sense which interprets the position of the head permitting the CNS to maintain stability and posture when the head and body are not moving; it is detected by mechanoreceptors in the vestibule of the inner ear, the utricle and saccule, which each contain a macula with the receptors for static equilibrium; when the head moves with reference to gravity, the otolithic membrane shifts and the mechanoreceptors (hair cells) in the macula detect this movement and send the information ...
Sound causes the eardrum and its tiny attached bones in the middle portion of the ear to vibrate, and the vibrations are conducted to the nearby cochlea. The spiral-shaped cochlea is part of the inner ear; it transforms sound into nerve impulses that travel to the brain.The fluid-filled semicircular canals (labyrinth) attach to the cochlea and nerves in the inner ear. They send information on balance and head position to the brain. Otitis media (middle ear inflammation): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear (behind the eardrum). 2  Usually, this is caused by an infection. 3  Swimmerâs ear (Otitis externa): Inflammation or infection of the outer ear (pinna and ear canal).