The ear is made up of 3 main parts: The outer ear (above) The pinna – gathers sound and transmits it into the external auditory canal. The ear canal (external auditory canal) – carries sound into the ear. The middle ear (above) The tympanic membrane – converts sound into vibrations. The three small bony chains (auditory tuberosities) – the hamate, anvil and stapes – transmit vibrations into the inner ear. Inner ear (above) Inner ear (cochlea) – contains fluid and highly sensitive cells (hair cells) with tiny hair-like structures that move in response to sound vibrations. Vestibular system – contains cells that control balance. Auditory nerve – leads from the cochlea to the brain.