HBABING. 559 



If such, held for the membrana tympani, it is evident that 

 certain tones would be heard better than others, and that when 



Fio. 402.— Photographic repreBentation of right membrana tympani, viewed from 

 within (after Flint and BUdinger). 1, divided head of malleus; 2, neck; 3, handle, 

 with attachment of tendon of tensor tympani; 4, divided tendon; 5, 6, long handle 

 of malleus; 7, outer radiating and inner circular fibers of tympanic membrane; 8, 

 fibrous ring encircling membrana tympani; 9, 14, 15, dentated fibers of Gruber: 10, 

 11, posterior pocket connecting with malleoB; 12, anterior pocket; 13, chorda tym- 

 pani nerve. 



the fundamental one was produced the result might be a sensa- 

 tion unpleasant from its intensity. This is partially obviated 

 by the damping effect of the auditory ossicles, which also pre- 

 vent after-vibrations. 



Some suppose that what we denominate shrill or harsh 

 sounds are, in part at least, owing to the auditory meatus hav- 

 ing a corresponding fundamental note of its own. 



The Auditory Ossicles. — ^Though these small bones are con- 

 nected by perfect joints, permitting a certain amount of play 



